Leeds United won the Championship last season with 100 points, scoring 95 goals. Daniel Farke achieved something most thought was impossible last year.
After losing three of his best players in the previous window, not many gave Leeds a chance of winning promotion. The club’s transfer window before the season did not really raise any hopes, but Farke worked with the squad he had. An ultra-attacking system saw the Whites dominate the league with their exciting wing play, with fullbacks Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo key cogs.
Despite their feat in the Championship, many knew that the team was not up to ”Premier League standard”; not many of their players even had experience in the top flight. So the club spent over £100 million in the summer to bolster the ranks and boost the quality within the side.
Three Leeds United players who need to be sold
With over three months gone this season, it has been enough time to assess individual performances among the team. And overall, it has been mixed, with some standing out and others being very questionable. Some summer signings have had a huge impact, while some have barely gotten on the pitch.
11 games have gone by, and looking at some performances this campaign, some players need to be given the boot.
Jaka Bijol
For his price tag and reputation, the Slovenian defender has really disappointed so far this season. After he spent multiple games on the bench, Daniel Farke decided to give him a run in the team, and he has not shown why he was such a big priority. Bijol has looked slow and just a second off the pace in some games. If he fails to improve as time goes on, he could become the next Robin Koch.
Lucas Perri
The Brazilian has been a real concern this season. He started out well, but there are still some aspects of his game he can improve upon. Many fans have noted that there is not much difference between Perri and Karl Darlow, which is surprising, seeing how much the former costs. Perri has made some good saves, but will need to improve as time goes on, or else he could easily be shipped out of Elland Road.
| Statistic | Rank |
|---|---|
| Goals Conceded | 10th |
| Clean Sheets | 15th |
| Saves | 22nd |
| Save % | 21st |
| Post-shot xG Allowed | 12th |
Brenden Aaronson
There were massive questions asked when Farke decided that the midfielder was his preferred choice as a number 10 in the Championship. And even though Aaronson had a prolific season, his overall gameplay never impressed. This season has been similar. Farke has chosen to keep him in the team for his work rate, but outside of that, he has failed to show any real quality. There should be no way that he is a Leeds United player next season.
| Player | Games Played | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Lucas Perri | 6 | 540 |
| Jaka Bijol | 4 | 352 |
| Brenden Aaronson | 12 | 772 |
Leeds thought their recruitment plan ahead of the season was good enough to ensure survival, but things have not gone to plan. The club should accept blame for some of the signings that have not worked out. These three players have shown this season that they are not up to standard, and the worst part is that Farke does not really have better alternatives in place.
Regardless of what happens at the end of the season, the club must find ways to offload the trio if they fail to improve between now and May. And with Bijol and Perri, the earlier the better, so that the club can earn some of what they initially spent.
