Leeds United nearly spent £16.8 million on a 24-year-old in the Premier League; his present club has just leased him out to get rid of him.
Leeds United attempted to make three signings during the January 2023 window to keep their Premier League membership, but eventually failed to do so, despite some success.
Leeds are aiming for promotion back to the Premier League for the second time this season, and they are hopeful that the revised 49ers recruitment structure has been successful with numerous new additions.
It’s a dramatic contrast to the infrastructure that existed before the 49ers took over, with Victor Orta serving as director of football until his departure in May, shortly before relegation.
Leeds’ January window reviewed; Whites lose out on key targets.
Leeds added Max Wöber, Georginio Rutter, and Weston McKennie to enhance their defence, midfield, and attack during that window, although they did not appear to be the primary goals.
Viktor Gyokeres was a name mentioned in the striker department, and it turned out to be a mistake not to pursue him further, while Moroccan World Cup player Azzedine Ounahi was a top target in midfield.
Leeds visited with the then-Angers midfielder’s agents to explore a trade, but were confronted with an asking price of €20 million (£16.84 million).
Despite a reported €10 million (£8.42 million) cost, McKennie only moved to Marseille, leaving Leeds to sign him. The agreement ultimately benefited neither party, but provided the midfielder with determination to resume his career.
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Ounahi was sold out by Marseille, surplus to requirements under Roberto De Zerbi
Leeds’ Premier League transfer plan may have failed miserably, but they may have been wise not to commit such a large amount to Ounahi.
With Roberto De Zerbi now at the leadership of Marseille, he judged Ounahi surplus to requirements, resulting in his loan transfer to Greek side Panathinaikos:
According to GFFN, the loan agreement includes a buy option, implying that Ounahi has no chance of playing in the top flight with Marseille.
His record after his spectacular World Cup run has left a lot to be desired, and Leeds were close to spending over £17 million on the player, perhaps leaving them in much more of a problem than their finances hinted after relegation.
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