Somewhere in the middle of the transfer window, reports revealed what Leeds United would target for the rest of the window. The club had already landed key players including Harry Wilson and James Trafford.
Three of the first four signings at Elland Road fixed issues in the backline.
Trafford was an upgrade in the goalkeeper’s position, Muharemovic replaced Pascal Struijk and later Elvedi came in for Sebastiaan Bornauw who pushed to leave.
Unfortunately for Leeds, they missed out on two key targets early in the window. The plan was to sign Shea Charles, who they were priced out of by Southampton, and Julian Brandt, who chose a move to Ajax.
It was then the that the club focused on getting a backup goalkeeper, a fullback, a winger and a striker per reports.
49ers decision could haunt Leeds United this season
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Credit: Imago
Leeds United found their backup stopper, after tough negotiations with Frankfurt to sign Michael Zetterer.
The move saw Lucas Perri complete his loan deal to Torino. And despite it looking like the Whites would lose out on transfer deadline day, they managed to sign two targets.
They found a winger in Jean-Matteo Bahoya, who was the last signing the club made on Tuesday.
Melvin Bard also arrived, providing the needed depth down the left. He can play left back and left centre back, which will ease a lot of pressure off Gabriel Gudmundsson.
But one key thing the team failed to do was land a striker.
Everyone thought Leeds would dip into the market to get one; they were even linked with Hwang Hee Chan on deadline day. But the club finished the window without addressing the issue.
Beren Cross also mentioned that club sources do not see a position that ‘screams’ needing reinforcement, meaning the club are happy with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha this season.
READ MORE: Adam Pope gives update on Leeds’ Jean-Matteo Bahoya transfer
Counting on Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a huge gamble
With Joel Piroe gone, Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha remain the only natural options at centre forward for the rest of the campaign.
Both have had their fair share of injury troubles in their careers, but managed to navigate last season smoothly. The former Everton man will be the main starter, with Nmecha as backup.
But counting on these two for the whole season is a huge gamble the 49ers could have avoided.
A new striker would have given Daniel Farke options to rest Calvert-Lewin or rotate with Nmecha.
As things stand, any injury or fitness problems could see Brenden Aaronson or Noah Okafor starting up top as a makeshift striker – a role neither can fully execute without a focal point.
Leeds have to hope the gamble they have taken will work out.
