Jesse Marsch made a number of mistakes in the transfer market while Leeds United manager and many fans would suggest that it was the biggest factor in his failing as Leeds boss.
Marsch might have had little to do with the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, given the duo’s time at Leeds was up. Moves to Barcelona and Man City though, provided Leeds with a war chest to spend.
But the signings of Rasmus Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Weston McKennie and plenty of others flopped at Leeds and eventually contributed in large parts to the club being relegated in 22-23.
Another player to leave Leeds came in the form of a striker that is now starring over in Europe, taking his tally to nine goals in just 20 matches – despite only starting seven of those matches in league and cup.
Max Dean left Leeds in 2023 and is now shining in Belgium
Mark Jackson left Leeds to take over at MK Dons and a couple of months later in January 2023, 20-year-old striker Max Dean followed him. Dean went on to score 20 goals in 43 games over the next 18 months.
It alerted Belgian side Gent, who paid £2m to sign Dean in the summer. It has seen the Liverpudlian shine, taking his tally to nine goals on Sunday as Gent won 5-0. Three more goals than Joel Piroe’s tally so far.
Dean scored twice, the first of which was a gorgeous goal – chesting the ball down and volleying home from 20 yards to score Gent’s second. His celebrating included a knee slide, and then kicking hoardings.
Charlie Cresswell and Darko Gyabi react as Dean shines again
It has been a very impressive start to the season for Dean. He has not allowed the rotational procedure at Gent get in his way, scoring at a rate of almost one goal every two games – and Leeds may regret his sale.
Max Dean’s career in numbers so far:
| Club | Games | Starts | Goals | Assists |
| Leeds U18’s | 14 | 13 | 5 | 1 |
| Leeds U21’s | 38 | 27 | 16 | 1 |
| Leeds | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| MK Dons | 43 | 25 | 20 | 5 |
| Gent | 20 | 7 | 9 | 2 |
He has personality too, show in his celebrations. Last month, Dean did the Conor McGregor walk and on Sunday, Charlie Cresswell questioned how he did not break his foot and Darko Gyabi called him “crazy”.
Leeds are well-stocked in attack but Dean’s value is rising rapidly as he shines in Belgium’s top tier and in the Conference League, with three of his nine goals coming in Europe. Another mistake, by Marsch.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
