Leeds United made some massive changes to the team that won the Championship last season. Knowing they were going up to the Premier League, recruitment was planned and executed.
Close to £100million was spent on new additions to the team, with 10 new players being signed. There were also exits, but only two permanent deals with the rest being temporary loans.
Daniel Farke managed to sign a new goalkeeper, and added depth and quality to the backline. Gabriel Gudmundsson was brought in to fill the gap left by Junior Firpo. In midfield, Leeds added highly rated Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff. Up front, there was not any major investment, but the Whites still managed to add Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
Fans were not pleased with the additions in attack, and expected more from the club.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
The Athletic rank Leeds United summer signing in top 5 list
Sean Longstaff Credit: Imago
Some Leeds signings have really hit the ground running this season, especially the midfielders – Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have been vital in midfield. Their performances have seen fan favourite Ao Tanaka make his way to the bench. Gabriel Gudmundsson has also been a solid addition at left back, and Noah Okafor is showing signs of being a good addition.
The Athletic writers put together a list of the 155 Premier League summer signings and their impact so far. And on that list, Sean Longstaff came in 5th place mirroring how well he has played this season. The former Newcastle man has given a new dimension to Daniel Farke’s midfield.
Other rankings for Leeds signings were: Sebastiaan Bornauw – 136th, James Justin – 128th, Jaka Bijol – 119th, Lukas Nmecha – 106th, Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 103rd, Lucas Perri – 85th, Noah Okafor – 43rd, Anton Stach – 28th and Gabriel Gudmundsson – 20th.
Daniel Farke got his ideal signing in Sean Longstaff
There were reports in the summer that Farke wanted a physical presence in midfield who could add goals to the team. The midfield options from last season were all technical players who could hold on to the ball.
Leeds have got exactly the type of player they were looking for in Longstaff; dynamic, physical and can contribute to goals. The club will go far this season if the 27-year old keeps performing at this level.
