Zero senior additions were made to Leeds United’s roster in the January transfer window, but Marcelo Bielsa has applauded the retention of key names and one £20m bid which was made.
Mateo Joseph proved to be the only new face added to the Thorp Arch training pitches last month, but Brenden Aaronson is understood to be the subject of said £20m bid.
Red Bull Salzburg were not willing to budge last month, in what proved to be the only option Leeds seriously pursued.
Despite failing to reinforce his squad, Bielsa was pleased with what played out and the retention of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, despite reported interest from West Ham United.
“It's very valuable we were able to keep the players that are wanted by other teams,” he said. “That in itself has importance.
“With respect to no signings coming in, the possibility to improve the squad wasn't there.
“The club made the necessary efforts and they also showed a willingness to contribute, a willingness to invest more money.
“So, as a result, I can only value everything that has been done.”
Bielsa felt the £20m bid at least showed intent from the club to strengthen, while reminding fans of the kind of money required to improve his team.
In running through the various questions which need to be answered before making any January addition, Bielsa seemed to suggest there were few, if any, players fitting the bill.
“I described it as important the club is able to keep their best players and that doesn't deserve more [attention] than I've just given it,” he said.
“The equilibrium of the economy of a club is a part of its needs to be established for the future health of the club.
“And for the club not selling such important players, trying to make an investment of £20m obviously emits a signal.
“And also when you judge the options of a team, incorporating players, in the winter transfer window, it's also very useful to see what conditions the players are in, the operations coming into the club: who they bought, how much they spent, how much other players are worth incorporating, how much they cost.
“The players who arrive on loan, in what conditions do they arrive, the signings if they need immediate success, if they are for right now or if they are to incorporate into the team for the future.
“To give an example, if the club had to replace [Patrick] Bamford, what amount should they invest? A winger costs £30m to £40m, how much does a centre forward that scores goals cost?”
Of the remaining four players Bielsa considers unavailable to him on Wednesday, Bamford looks set to be on the sidelines for the longest with no easing in the pain of the foot injury which ruled him out before the international break.
He has no predicted return date, according to Bielsa.
