Leeds United came so close to reaching the Premier League last season.
Leeds had 90 points and scored 81 goals but finished in third outside the automatic qualification places. Leicester City and Ipswich Town ended up being promoted, and Leeds had to go through the Championship playoffs. Daniel Farke guided the team to the final, but they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Southampton.
Farke was tasked with building a better team to challenge for promotion again this season. But Leeds were not among the favourites to make the Premier League this year after they lost three of their best players. Crysencio Summerville won EFL Championship player of the year, and joined West Ham. Archie Gray had a fantastic breakout season, was named in the EFL Championship team of the year and joined Spurs. Georginio Rutter had 15 assists in the league last year, and was snapped up by Brighton.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing player from these 10 famous Leeds United photos?
Leeds United target told to leave new club
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Heading into this season, Daniel Farke asked for an attacking midfielder during the summer transfer window. Leeds ended up pursuing Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer, but the club were unwilling to lower their valuation for the player. Farke got a midfielder in Ao Tanaka, but it was not the number 10 he was hoping for. Leeds also pushed for a move to sign Fabio Carvalho who was on the verge of leaving Liverpool. The midfielder eventually chose to stay in the Premier League and joined Brentford.
Carvalho spent last season on loan at Hull City where he impressed, scoring nine goals in the Championship. Angus Kinnear confirmed that Leeds were interested, but a move to a fellow Premier League side was just more appealing. However, not everything has gone well for the Portuguese youth international. He has only made two league starts for Brentford so far.
Brentford drew 0-0 to Everton on Saturday, with Carvalho being on the bench for 90 minutes. After the game, the club posted the result graphic on Instagram. Carvalho’s father then replied in the comments “Son, you have to leave this club”. The comment has since been deleted.
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Leeds could have had a midfield star
A 27.5million offer was just too good to turn down, and Leeds would probably not have been able to pay the full amount. But in hindsight, a move to Elland Road would have been perfect for the youngster. He would have flourished in the number 10 role behind the striker. With Fabio Carvalho frustrated with playing time, maybe Leeds could be back with a loan move in the summer. Manchester City midfielder James McAtee has also been rumoured as a January target.
