After being promoted from the Championship, Leeds United went hard in the transfer market to build a decent team. And it ended up working as they survived relegation.
This past season, two teams bucked the trend of going straight back down after being promoted – Leeds and Sunderland.
They both went outside the box when it came to transfer targets. Usually teams that just won promotion go shopping in the Championship, and from lower table clubs in the Premier League.
Sunderland went all out, buying regular starters from big clubs across Europe for sizeable fees.
Leeds followed, but they were working on a budget, and managed to get some quality signings even with the restrictions.
Both clubs spent over £100 million and it worked out; the Whites finished in 14th place, and Sunderland managed to qualify for Europe.
Why Harry Wilson chose Leeds United over Champions League football
One will ask how newly promoted clubs like Leeds and Sunderland managed to bring on board players like Granit Xhaka, Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Nordi Mukiele.
These players mentioned have won league titles across Europe and played in the Champions League.
But they left that to come and compete in the Premier League.
This week saw Leeds United reach an agreement to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer. The midfielder finished this past season with 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions.
The Whites beat many suitors to sign Wilson, and even two clubs in the Champions League next season – Aston Villa and Benfica.
Per David Ornstein, one of the major points was the contract offered to the midfielder. It was a long-term contract, with a high salary that met his terms.
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How Wales factored in this move
Stating in England and the Premier League would have also been a big part of his decision.
After staying at Fulham after deadline day, he admitted he was happy to stay instead of leaving. Moving to Benfica, who recently hired former Fulham boss Marco Silva, would mean leaving the country.
The Wales factor also played a part; Wilson has been in the national team with the quartet of Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Dan James.
Ampadu even joked that he had told his teammates about how great it is over at Leeds.
The finances may have played a part, but Harry Wilson was clearly looking for a club that would give him the right conditions with familiar surroundings. The 49ers made a very good decision on this deal.
Fantastic signing for Leeds, and on a free ! How stupid of Fulham not to rake in the millions for him in January. But playing alongside four of his Welsh team mates no doubt played a massive part in his decision to go to Elland road, what a signing!