Most of Leeds United’s summer signings have performed well this season
Much has been discussed and written about Leeds United’s summer business. Chief executive Angus Kinnear revealed on The Square Ball podcast shortly after the window closed that there is “always tension” in recruitment conversations with every department involved in player transfer. He believes that having that degree of discourse is “healthy”.
“There is tension between the data team and the scouting team and the coaching staff and the manager and the ownership,” according to him. “But I believe we had a really nice, productive communication with Daniel [Farke, Leeds manager]. There were no players on whom everyone disagreed before we signed them.
“The process is much more collaborative than it was previously. So everyone has a say. But Daniel and the recruitment team knew that the board would support us completely in terms of the players we wanted and the players who were available. If I had to evaluate the window based on what we wanted to do, I would definitely give us a B+.
It’s fair to say Kinnear’s remarks divided the audience. However, 15 matches into the season, Kinnear’s B+ grade appears to be a fair evaluation.
Yes, United sold Archie Gray, Glen Kamara, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter for more than £100 million to alleviate their fragile financial situation after missing out on an immediate return to the Premier League. Yes, United failed to find a suitable No 10 to fill the vacuum left by Rutter. Yes, there were many outgoings.
However, the Whites have arguably improved in other spots. Bringing in Jayden Bogle, a natural right-back, has improved their balance on that side. His performances have improved as he has more contests under his belt. You could say the same thing about Joe Rodon following a difficult start to his campaign.
Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell have played brilliantly together in midfield. Josuha Guilavogui has had his moments after joining on a free transfer. Daniel Farke will face a huge selection quandary whenever Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev recover from their respective knee ailments.
Largie Ramazani had a significant impression before suffering an ankle injury, scoring three goals and assisting in eight Championship games. Ramazani is still only 23, so he has plenty of time to grow and improve.
The greatest letdown has been Manor Solomon. The Tottenham loanee has regressed following a bright debut against Hull City, when he assisted Mateo Joseph’s goal.
Alex Cairns was brought in to provide backup for Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow. It is unlikely that the former Salford City player will play this season.
Farke clearly wants to see more from Isaac Schmidt in training, which is why the full-back has made few appearances since joining the Whites on deadline day. His turn might come in the future.
However, United are currently third in the table, two points behind leaders Sunderland, and several key players are expected to return to the starting lineup. Everything points to the recruitment team making more deals right than wrong over the summer season.
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