Leeds United fans expected one deal to be made this summer. After two years of loan deals, Everton were expected to complete the signing of this first team star.
However, at the end of the Premier League season, the Toffees announced that Jack Harrison would be returning to Elland Road. It came as a shock to most fans who expected the forward to make a permanent switch after spending the last two seasons alone. Harrison remains at Leeds player, and a decision on his future may be taken this summer.
Now, there has been officially one switch between the Whites and Everton this month.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United sold these players to?
Everton confirm appointment of former Leeds United man
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The toffees have confirmed the appointment of Nick Hammond. The former Leeds executive joins Angus Kinnear, who was expected to bring some of his former colleagues to Everton. Hammond was a recruitment advisor for Leeds United over the past two years, overseeing some of the club’s solid transfer decisions.
The Merseyside club announced the arrival of Hammond as a part of a ‘revamped’ football leadership team:
“Following a comprehensive recruitment process, the Club has appointed Nick Cox as Technical Director, James Smith as Director of Scouting and Recruitment, Chris Howarth to direct the Club’s football strategy and analytics operations and Nick Hammond to lead the Club’s player trading activity.
“Nick Hammond has forged an impressive career in coaching and recruitment since his retirement as a player in 2000. He arrives at the club having most recently worked as a transfer consultant at both Leeds United and Newcastle United.
“His prior experience as a Director of Football for 13 years at Reading, Technical Director at West Brom for three years and as Head of Football Operations at Celtic gives Nick an extensive perspective on all aspects of football operations, adding to his credentials as a skilled specialist in transfer dealings.”
What to make of Leeds’ recent transfer deals?
The past two years have seen a drastic shift from the scattergun approach of previous eras. Now, Leeds sign players they need that fit into the team.
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Previous signings in recent years hurt the club and cost them some financial losses. Hopefully the Whites continue down the great path they are on.
We probably wont miss Hammond, we definitely wont miss Kinnear.