Leeds United’s transfer window fittingly ended in underwhelming fashion as no players arrived. Even Cameron Archer.
Daniel Farke had set expectations low ahead of the window by stating he was happy with the squad at his disposal, a justified stance given Leeds United sit at the top of the Championship table.
Yet, both Sheffield United and Burnley strengthened considerably in January, making the Championship title race a whole lot tougher.
Leeds had tried to enhance their considerable attacking options further but with little success.
A playmaker was the first plan but when they failed to sign Emi Buendia or Louie Barry, attentions turned to a striker instead.
Southampton’s Cameron Archer emerged as the top target and, though an initial loan was rejected, Leeds pushed hard for the signing going into deadline day.
Yet, he didn’t sign and this is what happened in the final hours of the transfer window.
- Who is Cameron Archer? Meet the former Sheffield United striker who could be the final piece to Leeds United promotion
Cameron Archer to Leeds United timeline on deadline day
Deadline day couldn’t have started brighter as it appeared Southampton were moving to replace Archer ahead of a possible exit.
Following links with West Ham’s Danny Ings the day before, it emerged that Southampton were closing in on signing Victor Udoh from Royal Antwerp – which they eventually did.
The hope was that the signing would free Archer to join Leeds, who were said to be in the ‘boxseat’ ahead of Burnley.
However, Leeds optimism began to fade when news of another Saints striker, Adam Armstrong, possibly leaving emerged at around 12 pm. It was seen as unlikely that Southampton would let both depart.
Leeds were actually said to be interested in Armstrong but Archer remained the target and new optimism blossomed at around 2 pm.
Some eagle-eyed supporters spotted a private jet had been booked from Bradford Leeds airport to Bournemouth, close to Southampton, for 4 pm, before flying back again shortly afterwards.
It was presumed that the plane was for Archer but, it transpired, was a completely unrelated flight.
With little over two hours of the window remaining, any lingering hopes of a deadline day signing were exstinguished for good when it was reported Archer would not be getting loaned to Leeds.
Where did Cameron Archer go on deadline day?
Despite generating interest from several teams, Archer remained at St. Mary’s on deadline day.
Armstrong, meanwhile, is looking set to join West Brom on loan as long as the EFL judges the paper work to have been completed before the deadline.
It stings that Southampton did allow a striker to depart but not the one that Leeds wanted, yet it makes sense for the Saints.
They are destined to return to the Championship so why would they let a player who could fire them to promotion next season leave now, if only on loan.
Leeds, meanwhile, after being linked with loads of players, will aim to secure their return to the Premier League without the aid of any new signings.
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