Stuart Dallas says Leeds United took ‘a risk’ last summer but it has turned out to be fantastic

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Leeds United were forced into making eight summer signings last summer, with Daniel Farke perhaps not expecting to have to undertake such major surgery when in the transfer window.

Four major sales in Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara, as well as the departures of players on free transfers like Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling, meant Leeds were left light.

That, and Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony’s loans coming to an end – with the duo now forming an impressive right-sided partnership at Burnley. It meant Daniel Farke and Leeds had to make additions.

They did just that, eight arriving in total. Joe Rodon permanently, Ao Tanaka for a bargain £3.4m and Saturday’s best player Jayden Bogle. But Stuart Dallas admits one new signing was “a risk” last summer.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke questions criticism for one of his Leeds United players

Manor Solomon shines for Leeds United after tricky bit of form

Prior to the win over Middlesbrough, Solomon had gone eight games without a goal or assist. Perhaps a bit harsh to lay the blame at Solomon’s door for that – with Joel Piroe missing chances created by him.

Portsmouth, for example, saw Piroe blaze Solomon’s pull-back over the bar. At Middlesbrough, that run ended when he created Dan James’ goal and on Saturday, a gorgeous goal and a stunning assist.

Speaking to LUTV’s Extra Time, Elland Road icon Dallas said it was a risk to sign Solomon on loan from Tottenham but actually, his addition has turned out to be “fantastic” following his arrival under Farke.

“He’s been fantastic, a big signing. A risk at the start of the season because of his injury record, but he’s been fantastic. When someone says Manor Solomon, this is the kind of goal I associate him with because.

“He did it against Leeds, for Fulham. That is a moment of magic. He’s clever with his movement, his numbers are really good and despite a little tricky patch, he has two assists and a goal in two games.”

Manor Solomon’s stats for Leeds United in win against Preston

There had been some criticism for Solomon. Leeds fans actually wanted him dropped for the trip to Middlesbrough, but that was before Dan James got injured and now it seems Solomon will remain.

Especially, after his performance on Saturday. Paul Heckingbottom praised Solomon, who was in super form for Leeds just when The Whites needed him as Farke’s men go five clear of Sheffield United.

Manor Solomon’s stats for Leeds in win vs Preston:

• 89 minutes played, 8.7 FotMob rating (best on pitch)
• One goal, one assist, two shots on target, one successful dribble
• 53 touches, 36 successful passes, four misplaced
• Two defensive actions, one interception, four recoveries
• Two duels won, two lost

The question remains however, should Leeds sign Solomon permanently? Well, Leeds are expecting to sign him if promoted, with Tottenham requesting a fee between £10m and £15m for the Israel ace.