Leeds United had a challenging summer, and many wondered how they’d replace the production left behind by the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter.
Nonetheless, CEO Angus Kinnear spoke at the latest meeting of the club’s Supporter Advisory Board [SAB], which convened at Elland Road on August 15, about Leeds’ summer transfer window before the deadline day but after the sales of their three key players and noted why The Whites whiffed on a few of their targets.
Even though the English side missed out on targets they had in mind, Leeds splashed money on a few players. Joe Rodon, Jayden Bogle, and Largie Ramazani were all big-money signings this summer.
Why did Leeds have a challenging summer window?
Although Leeds did spend to ensure that their squad is prepared for the promotion battle this Championship season, Kinnear noted the challenges they faced attempting to lure their targets to Elland Road. Here’s what was said at the meeting with the quotes courtesy of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“[Kinnear] explains that from a business point of view, no-one wants promotion more than the 49ers. Investors have invested for Leeds to be a Premier League side. Club have missed out on targets this summer as no amount of money can attract certain players because the Premier League’s pull is vast, but this is the profile of player the club wants. AK says a lot of business now under this ownership is intentionally kept away from the media to stop other clubs from hijacking deals, hence the lack of rumours.”
Despite the changes and perhaps missed targets this past summer window, Leeds are still seen as a favorite to earn promotion this season. Daniel Farke and his team are in fourth place behind Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion, and Watford.
It will be interesting to see how Leeds handle the transfer window in January to see if they can land their top targets or whether they’ll whiff on them. Landing and missing the players they have as a priority could send Leeds to the Premier League or keep them in the Championship for another season.
