Despite making eight new signings, Leeds United’s summer was not without its fair share of frustration.
Up until the final week of the window, Leeds supporters had really began to take aim at the 49ers after selling several key players, and taking what felt like an eternity to replace them.
Considering the money that was brought in, Leeds spent a fairly modest amount on new signings, but that certainly wasn’t for the want of trying.
Leeds made big offers for a number of players including Gustavo Hamer and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, while talks were also held over ambitious swoops for Roland Sallai and Jonathan Rowe.
At £10 million, Joe Rodon was Leeds’ most expensive signing in the end but if needed, it should definitely free up funds for the 49ers to spend in January.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi explains Leeds rejection
Leeds were clearly keen to make a marquee signing in that final third of the pitch as a statement to replace both Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.
Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon both look like they could be top signings, but at £6.5 million (initial fee) and a loan respectively, they weren’t overly expensive.
Earlier in the window, Leeds had been one of the sides keen on signing Crystal Palace winger Rak-Sakyi, who was told he could leave on loan.
However, Leeds were so determined to sign him, they even made a permanent bid of £15 million, but Palace were firm in their stance he would only be leaving temporarily.
In the end, it was Sheffield United who won the race for Rak-Sakyi and speaking in an interview with the Sheffield Star, the 21-year-old has admitted he knew of Leeds’ interest, but chose Bramall Lane instead.
He said: “My agent made me aware of the interest from them and I knew it was a big club. But the manager here spoke to me and I was really impressed with what he said and the plans he had for me. So that made me decide to come here.”
Daniel Farke dropped hint at why Rak-Sakyi snubbed Leeds
While Rak-Sakyi has suggested it was down to a conversation with Chris Wilder as to why he joined Sheffield United, Crystal Palace were always going to send him to the club who could offer game time assurances.
Since Leeds’ relegation in 2023, they have found it tough to get loan deals for Premier League youngsters over the line as they simply cannot offer guaranteed minutes from the off. Fabio Carvalho in January was a key example.
Speaking last month, Daniel Farke dropped a clear hint that was again the reason for Leeds’ failed Rak-Sakyi pursuit.
He said: “Yes, but if you ask me, a permanent signing is always better because the player is then fully committed and our player to develop. Loan market can be tricky. Some players are not guaranteed to play, which makes it difficult.
“Prem loans come here to get game time. If you cannot guarantee, a loan does not make sense for some players. Would prefer a permanent signing because they are committed through difficult phases. Loan market is an option and we will not fall asleep.
“We have a strong squad, so sometimes a you can’t guarantee minutes. As long as I am in charge, this will always be the case. For me, it’s not about salaries, CVs or transfer sums, or how highly a player is valued on Transfermarkt.
“Names are not important but what you deliver on the training pitch, in games, what you show in the dressing room. It’s never a guarantee whoever I bring in that he plays.”
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