Leeds appoint Nick Hammond; his best five deals after spells at Celtic and Newcastle

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United have appointed Nick Hammond on a three-month basis as a football advisor to oversee this summer’s transition in which the Whites will appoint a new manager and complete a number of transfers, both in and out.

Hammond, 55, has a wealth of experience as a sporting director – which he is basically undertaking at Elland Road for the next few months. Two years at Celtic, two at West Brom and 13 at Reading. Most recently, at Newcastle.

Indeed, he took a similar role on Tyneside to the one he is in at Elland Road – overseeing the first transfer window under Eddie Howe at Newcastle. Below are his best-five deals, including that of Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.

Leeds appoint Hammond: Best five deals after Celtic, Newcastle spells

• 5. Saido Berahino (West Brom to Stoke, 2017)

Midway through his spell at West Brom, Hammond rubber-stamped a £12m move for Berahino to Stoke – after the striker scored 36 in 121 games with the Baggies. Berahino has since struggled, and is currently playing in Cyprus.

• 4. Kieran Tierney (Celtic to Arsenal, 2019)

Tierney is an icon at Celtic. Five League titles, 11 honours in total. When Arsenal paid £25m – Celtic’s record sale – it made sense. Now, Hammond and Celtic are the winners. Tierney is a back-up option, suffering a number of injuries.

• 3. Jeremie Frimpong (Man City to Celtic in 2019, Celtic to Leverkusen in 2021)

Hammond signed Frimpong as an unknown from Man City, a bargain £300,000 academy fee. He starred in his 18 months at Celtic, joining Leverkusen for £11.5m. It shows Hammond’s eye for talent and his ability to turn a profit.

• 2. Bruno Guimaraes (Lyon to Newcastle, 2022)

Hammond’s brief spell at Newcastle oversaw the January window of 2021-22. The Toon splashed their new cash, the biggest signing of which was Guimaraes. He has since become a cult figure, and a Brazil regular, all for £40m.

• 1. Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid to Newcastle, 2022)

It is difficult to beat Guimaraes, but the way Trippier has lead Newcastle from the abyss to the Champions League makes him the best signing of Hammond’s career. A bargain at £12m, and the first of Hammond’s short Toon spell.