Leeds United moved quickly and decisively to secure their targets in the summer transfer window. The Whites identified the need to add to their squad after a season of strife and they wasted no time in doing exactly that.
Brenden Aaronson was landed just a few days after survival had been secured and he was joined at Elland Road by Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca before pre-season had even began. Darko Gyabi, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra were completed prior to the club’s pre-season trip to Australia and that gave Jesse Marsch the time needed to integrate the new arrivals before the Premier League season got underway.
The window wasn’t a complete success, though, with late moves for Cody Gakpo and Bamba Dieng falling through after recognising the need to push for an attacking player. United did eventually secure young Italy international Wilfried Gnonto to ensure the club could be relatively content with their window as they reflected on September 2.
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However, in just a few short months, the January window will open and Leeds will have already started discussing their options and putting together the framework for a plan of action. Leeds’ fortunes over the next eight Premier League games before the World Cup break could have a huge say on how much work needs to be done, though.
If Marsch’s side can stay injury free and keep their points tally ticking over sufficiently, the club would be able to approach the window in a relaxed manner. The pressure would be on, though, if they were to struggle for traction and slide down the table between now and the start of the tournament in Qatar.
The fans would demand sizable investment in the playing roster and in the name of securing their Premier League status, the need to act would be overwhelming. Leeds have a number of opportunities to make progress on the field over the coming weeks and Marsch will know they cannot afford to let them slide during this key period.
January isn’t usually a window Leeds like to do business in. Prices are inflated and value for money is hard to come by, ensuring deals can be tricky to make.
The Whites resisted the urge to spend last January, something they were heavily criticised for as they battled relegation, and that was in keeping with their tendency to sit tight during the month and wait to do business in the summer. Andrea Radrizzani confirmed on deadline day that Leeds will continue to work on a deal to sign Gakpo heading into the January window and that could be one deal they revisit as Big Ben signals the start of a new year by striking midnight.
Whatever happens on the field between now and then, though, it surely stands to have a big influence on how the Yorkshire club tackle the month.
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