This summer saw Leeds United part ways with a lot of first team players. Many fans knew that the team would see some wholesale changes on their return to the Premier League.
Daniel Farke made it quite clear during the training camp about who was in line to play this season. The Leeds boss made the major announcement that Patrick Bamford was no longer in his plans. After having a conversation with the striker, they both agreed on the decision. Bamford left Leeds after both parties mutually terminated the contract.
Mateo Joseph, who complained about lack of playing time last season asked for a transfer this summer. The club loaned him out, alongside a few other names. Joe Gelhardt, Isaac Schmidt, Darko Gyabi and Max Wober were some of the other names that left in the window.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
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Club CEO praises signing of Leeds United star
Credit: Imago Images
In one of the more shocking deals of the summer, Leeds sold Sam Greenwood on a permanent deal. Polish side Pogon signed the former U21 player for around £4million. The Whites made the forward available earlier in the summer, but it looked like they had no suitors.
Pogon CEO Tan Kesler said he played a huge part in the transfer deal, calling it ‘historic’:
“It was quite an exciting transfer for us, obviously.” he said speaking to TalkSport.
“Me being from England, and then knowing the Championship dynamic, knowing the league’s organisation right down the street from us and also knowing how much they invested in players like Sam, Joe Gelhardt.
“I was in Hull very highly and knew him from our scouting department, Lee and the rest of our recruitment specialists; they all knew him from even [his] Arsenal days.
“To be honest with you, we believe the Championship intensity could be very useful for extra class-up.
“Sam has always been a dynamic player, versatile, had different things to offer on the pitch, whether it’s a false nine, whether it’s a ten or whether sometimes it’s an eight.
“We were in need of a position in such, but also we were looking for a marquee player who could commence other leagues.
“Poland is an emerging market. We’re known as developing players, selling players, but at the same time, it’s just a high-level, very high-intensity league.
“We wanted to convince people that players from other big leagues and top players would consider coming to Poland and be a marquee player and be an example for many other English players.”
