Leeds United’s transfer window brought them back down to the reality of being a Championship club.
The Whites were looking to bring in several players who have already proven themselves as being at the top of this level, but were faced by competition from clubs in the Premier League.
Unfortunately, the lure of playing in English football’s top tier was too much for several of Leeds’ targets, even if it was for clubs destined to be fighting against relegation.
On top of Bournemouth’s 11th hour hijack of Max Aarons, Sheffield United were also able to pip Leeds to two players they were desperate to sign during the window.
First, the Blades were able to outmuscle Leeds financially to sign Gustavo Hamer from Coventry City for £15 million, before then winning the £18 million race for Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer.
Archer and Hamer yet to win at Sheffield United
Sheffield United always looked dead certs for a battle to beat the drop after winning promotion from the Championship and selling key duo Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge.
Ultimately, Hamer and Archer were seen as replacements for those two players but with the squad not any stronger than last season, it has been a real struggle.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have picked up just one point from their eight Premier League matches so far, a period which included a staggering 8-0 home defeat to Newcastle United.
The Blades were also sent packing in the Carabao Cup second round by Lincoln City, with the high of promotion almost immediately cancelled out by such a dreadful start to the season.
Hamer and Archer have actually scored half of Sheffield United’s six Premier League goals between them so far, but they have a real task on their hands if they do not want to be back in the Championship again next season.
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