Rewind to the start of the 2024-25 season and Leeds United needed a spark after suffering defeat in the Championship play-off final, before losing a trio of crucial players.
Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville, Thorp Arch favourite Archie Gray and magician Georginio Rutter had all left for a combined £110m. It felt as if Leeds were taking a step backwards.
But Daniel Farke sat down and brought in some new stars. Manor Solomon on loan, Jayden Bogle on the right of the defence, Ao Tanaka in the middle of the park, Joe Rodon permanently, Brenden Aaronson.
Leeds had their vigour back, the feeling that they could go and win promotion despite last season’s finish. However, Farke wanted more excitement and one player Leeds targeted was from his old side Norwich.
Roberto De Zerbi makes Jonathan Rowe admission this week
Leeds wanted to sign England U21 talent Jonathan Rowe from Norwich, but were foiled in their attempts when Roberto De Zerbi’s new side Marseille came calling. They agreed a loan, with a £12.5m obligation.
Rowe went to play in France’s top tier for a side that have the best chance of stopping PSG. But things have not gone to plan, with Rowe admitting this month that he has been left frustrated by De Zerbi.
De Zerbi told a press conference over the weekend about Rowe: “Jonathan had a good start. He also paid for the change in system and lost his way a bit on the pitch. But he deserved to get more playing time.
“And now he’s making it difficult for me to choose. He can start, even up front. We need to support him. I would have liked him to do a little more, but maybe I was wrong not to play him sometimes,” he said.
How close did Leeds come to signing Rowe ahead of Marseille?
Had Marseille not come calling, Leeds could easily have signed Rowe. The 49ers’ initial approach and promise of just £7m was laughed off by Norwich, but talks continued between Leeds and Rowe’s camp.
However, as soon as the chance to play under an exciting manager in De Zerbi after his Brighton spell, Rowe moved to France. Interestingly, Leeds are still interested in signing Rowe ahead of the window.
It has been reported that Leeds and Everton are keen on rescuing Rowe from Marseille, where he has still enjoyed moments like a late winner in a 3-2 win over Lyon. It will be interesting to see what happens.
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