Leeds United were a very busy side in the summer, figuring out how to improve their first team ahead of their return to the top flight. Many fans knew that some key players from last season’s campaign would not be involved this year.
And Daniel Farke was a crucial part of the squad building in the summer. He chose to let Patrick Bamford go after the striker failed to improve on his fitness in the last two campaigns. Leeds also let go of Mateo Joseph, who refused to report to pre-season and Largie Ramazani.
The Whites went big with their recruitment, adding upgrades to almost every area of the team. Farke got a new goalkeeper, serious depth at the back, two key midfield options and attacking depth. Fans complained about how just £18 million was spent on permanent transfers when it came to the attack, with two of the three signings.
There were ‘concerns’ about Dominic Calvert-Lewin before summer move
In the summer, the Whites were linked with some big name strikers, including ones that had caught the eye in foreign leagues. But unfortunately Leeds failed to sign any of the ones they targeted. Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer was the only center forward that joined in the window, before the arrival of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England striker signing for the Whites came as a bit of a surprise considering that he was a free agent highly linked to ‘bigger’ clubs.
| Player | Goals | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 9 | 20 |
| Lukas Nmecha | 5 | 19 |
| Brenden Aaronson | 4 | 21 |
| Anton Stach | 3 | 19 |
Per The Athletic, the story from Calvert-Lewin’s camp was not smooth in the summer either. Reports claim that people around him were not confident of attracting a big club in the summer window. They were also concerned that his wages could scare off potential suitors; but in the end things seem to have worked out for the best.
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Daniel Farke got his man in the end
While other clubs avoided signing the former Everton man due to one reason or the other; this season Calvert-Lewin has proven to many teams that they were wrong not to sign him. At Leeds United he looks fresher and more lively than he has in recent seasons. The best part for the Whites is that this year, the 28-year old has not fallen to any peculiar injury problems. Outside that, the striker is firing Leeds towards safety and has been one of the club’s best players this season.
