Leeds United have been busy this summer. After securing survival with a dramatic final day win over Brentford in west London, the Whites recognised the need to add quality and depth to their squad.
They wasted no time in securing their first addition, either, as maintaining their Premier League status allowed the club to get a deal over the line for Red Bull Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson. Aaronson had been a long-term target and his signature sent out a clear message about the club’s intentions in the transfer window.
The American was swiftly followed to Leeds by his former Salzburg teammate Rasmus Kristensen and Bayern Munich’s Marc Roca as the club strengthened their defensive and midfield ranks. Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, Sonny Perkins and Joel Robles have since made the switch to West Yorkshire to give Jesse Marsch the best possible chance to make progress at Elland Road this season.
It’s still early days, of course, but the majority of the above names have had the opportunity to make a positive first impression. Kristensen, Aarsonson, Adams and Roca all caught the eye in pre-season, during the club’s tour of Australia and on home soil against Cagliari, and they were handed their first competitive starts for the club last Saturday against Wolves as United got the season underway with an encouraging performance and three points.
All four managed to showcase why they featured at the top of Leeds’ summer wish list and as the Premier League table takes shape, they look capable of becoming fan favourites. Luis Sinisterra has struggled with injury since his arrival, preventing him from accumulating adequate minutes so far, but Darko Gyabi certainly caught the eye during his Under-21s bow, turning in a classy performance to help the club win 5-2 against Derby County.
However, as Leeds entered the summer, it seemed inevitable that two of their brightest talents would leave the club. Kalvin Phillips had long been linked away from Elland Road and with Premier League champions Man City serious about taking him across the Pennines, the club were never going to stand in his way.
The same can be said regarding the future of Raphinha, who realised a childhood dream by joining Barcelona in July. Both fees have been questioned by supporters, but in truth, both players had to leave in order to finance the necessary additions to Marsch’s squad.
It’s not been a summer without disappointment, but the signings Leeds have managed to secure should have fans feeling optimistic as they look ahead to the remainder of the Premier League campaign. Heroes have departed, but this has been the summer the Whites needed if they are to take the next step under Marsch.
Leeds’ business isn’t complete just yet, either, with the club aiming to potentially add one or two more names to their roster before the window slams shut.
To mark the three week run in to deadline day we're asking fans to rate each individual summer deal so far via the widget below:
