‘Wanted him quite badly’… EFL pundit says Leeds missed out on a real ‘matchwinner’ in the summer

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Leeds United are still waiting to really reap the rewards of their eight new summer signings.

Jayden Bogle and Joe Rodon are the only two to have started every game so far, with Tony Dorigo suggesting Bogle has room for improvement, while Rodon has not yet rediscovered the heights he hit while on loan.

Joe Rothwell, Isaac Schmidt and Ao Tanaka are all still yet to start a game since moving to Elland Road, though calls are growing from Leeds fans for the latter to be handed a full debut.

Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani are arguably the two to have shown most so far. However, Solomon is already struggling with injury issues, as was predicted by many before he joined.

It is also still very early days for Ramazani, with the win at Cardiff City his first start. That said, he did not take long to make an impact, netting Leeds‘ opener on the day.

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Leeds told they missed out on ‘matchwinner’ Hamer

A number 10 was the one position in which Daniel Farke was disappointed not to add to his squad in the summer.

Angus Kinnear has recently revealed Leeds certainly tried, making ambitious moves for both Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia and Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Though never close to completion, Hamer was the one which advanced the furthest, with Leeds making an offer of £13 million, which was swiftly rejected by the Blades.

And Hamer is already making Leeds live to regret not getting him over the line, as he has already scored four goals in six matches.

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘What The EFL Podcast‘, Adrian Clarke believes Leeds missed out on a real ‘matchwinner’.

He said: “He [Hamer] was their player of the season last year, now four goals in six. Leeds wanted him quite badly and Sheffield United resisted the temptation and they will be delighted. Coming in off the left-hand-side, he’s been easily their best player.

“He is such a matchwinner Hamer, isn’t he? I have liked him ever since I saw him first play for Coventry a few years ago. They [Sheffield United] are a good team, no doubt about that. Very, very solid.”

• READ MORE: Coventry City manager Mark Robins raves about Leeds United’s squad ahead of this weekend’s match

Leeds missed a trick with Hamer

Based on his start to the season, and familiar problems arising within Leeds’ midfield, it is hard not to disagree with Clarke.

Neither Ethan Ampadu or Ilia Gruev have registered a single goal or assist, despite starting all six of Leeds’ league matches. Some would say it’s not their job, but it was a weakness of Leeds last season, and it is a weakness again this.

Yes, Hamer has been playing off the left, but he still would’ve been considerably more of a goal threat than Leeds’ current starting options in that eight role, where he played for Coventry City. Hopefully Ao Tanaka can be the answer.