Fall from grace for former Leeds United star as deadline day move sealed, Bielsa thought he was brilliant

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Deadline day proved frustrating for Leeds United, who didn’t manage to sign any new players in the final day of the window.

Leeds United can so often be hit and miss when it comes to deadline day. And as was the case last January, Leeds United finished the window without a final new signing, though Daniel Farke managed to bring in 10 new players in total this summer.

And the 49ers spent well. After the last signing of James Justin, Leeds United have now spent £100m on new players this summer, with some exciting names having arrived at Elland Road.

Leeds fans are particularly excited to see how the likes of Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff fare in the midfield, with Jaka Bijol at centre back looking like he could be a real star in the future.

But Farke wanted attacking signings on deadline day. He failed to bring them in, with a late move for Harry Wilson not materialising in time. Though one former Leeds attacker did manage to seal a deadline day loan move.

• READ MORE: Three clear winners and two major losers at Leeds United as the summer transfer window slams shut

Former Leeds United man Tyler Roberts seals deadline day move

Tyler Roberts is one of the many former Leeds United players who once promised so much but failed to really deliver. Joining from West Brom in 2018, Roberts went on to play 108 times for Leeds United with nine goals and ten assists for the club. And there were spells in the Championship where Roberts looked as though he had potential to become a top quality player at Elland Road.

But injuries combined with a lack of form meant the Welshman was eventually sold in 2023. Roberts joined Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee, featuring as the Blues were relegated in 2024, then spending the last season out on loan with Northampton Town as Blues were promoted back to the Championship.

He scored once in 29 total games for the Cobblers and on deadline day he was loaned out by Birmingham City once again, joining Nigel Clough’s Mansfield Town.

• READ MORE: Three clear winners and two major losers at Leeds United as the summer transfer window slams shut

What Marcelo Bielsa once said about Tyler Roberts at Leeds United

Under Marcelo Bielsa, Roberts arguably played his best football in a Leeds shirt and his best football of his career so far. The Argentine was a big fan of Roberts, who is now 26 years old, with Bielsa once giving a glowing verdict of Roberts and his potential in a Leeds United shirt.

Bielsa said of the 20-time Welsh international back in October 2021: “He still hasn’t been able to link his qualities with his performances. I, in particular, have a lot of confidence in his resources.

“I feel that he is a player who can unbalance and I hope he can evolve and take a leading role in our team. He has taken a step forward.”

And upon signing the attacker, Mansfield boss Nigel Clough also gave a glowing review of Roberts as well. He told the club: “Tyler has a good pedigree and is a player who we think will fit in with the way we’re trying to play.

“He impressed us when playing for Northampton and can play in a few different positions in the current formation which we’re currently playing.”

If Roberts can remain injury-free this season and score a few goals, then he might be able to return to Birmingham City next season and compete for a spot in the Championship.

But after a tough last season with Northampton and after a tough few years on the whole, it will be hard for Roberts to really get back on his feet and play anywhere near the level that he once did under Bielsa at Leeds United.