Europa League star says he almost joined Leeds, could have been ideal for Daniel Farke’s side

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It came as a bit of a surprise this week to hear Rangers star Todd Cantwell claim that he almost joined Leeds United with a deal “close” – and he might have been the ideal no.10 signing for boss Daniel Farke.

Leeds went into the summer window needing additions all over the park. A goalkeeper – we signed Karl Darlow, Illan Meslier remained. Competition for Luke Ayling, Djed Spence joined on loan from Spurs.

Another centre-back – Joe Rodon, also on loan from Tottenham. Sam Byram is shining on the left of the defence while Jamie Shackleton has returned with aplomb. The midfield needed major surgery.

Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev and the breakthrough talent of Archie Gray has replaced Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw and Marc Roca. Some would argue we have a better midfield.

A striker – Joel Piroe. Wingers in Willy Gnonto and Cree Summerville remained, Jaidon Anthony coming in for Luis Sinisterra. But the one area Leeds did not improve, was the no.10 role during the window.

Cantwell almost joined Leeds; Might have been ideal for Farke

We tried. Matt O’Riley from Celtic, a reunion with Kenny McLean from Norwich and of course, Nadiem Amiri from Bayer Leverkusen. Piroe and Georginio Rutter are combining, to cover the playmaker role.

But, Cantwell might have been perfect. He told The Beautiful Game Podcast that after being axed by Norwich – shortly after Farke’s sacking at Carrow Road in 2021 – he almost joined Leeds, it was “close”.

A player that has supreme potential, shining in the Premier League under Farke and even touted with a big-money move to some of England’s biggest clubs. He is now at Europa League side Rangers.

Farke got the best out of him. The Leeds boss reunited with Byram and tried to reunite with McLean and Max Aarons. Perhaps, having Cantwell at his disposal would have solved the lack of no.10 options.