Leeds United’s incoming transfer business so far this summer would be best described as sensible.
Three of their four summer signings represent players who are proven performers at this level, all for fees very much within Leeds‘ current budget.
Securing Joe Rodon’s return to Elland Road was a no brainer right from the full-time whistle of the play-off final defeat against Southampton. Not only for continuity, but also because he is one of, if not the best centre-back in the division.
Alex Cairns, though not exciting, is another home-grown, club-trained player to add to the squad, at a minimal cost. He is a solid third choice ‘keeper.
Joe Rothwell, meanwhile, has an abundance of Championship experience under his belt, and adds something different to Leeds’ current midfield options, thanks to his ball-carrying ability.
In terms of the new faces, Jayden Bogle is arguably the pick of the bunch, signing arguably the best right-back in the league, from a promotion rival, for just £5 million.
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Leeds would be making a £20m mistake with Sammie Szmodics
Give the players that could still be on their way out of Elland Road, the most marquee additions this summer may still be yet to arrive.
Both Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto are being heavily linked with moves away, and at the very least, that should bring in £50 million in transfer fees.
Amid the other sales that have gone through during the window, including the £40 million Archie Gray one, Leeds should have an absolute war chest to replace them.
And one player who is now on Leeds’ radar as an attacking reinforcement is Blackburn Rovers’ Sammie Szmodics, with the Whites battling Ipswich Town for his signature.
Rovers are set to demand around £20 million for Szmodics after his haul of 27 goals saw him win the Championship golden boot last season.
And while his goals would be a useful addition to the side, Szmodics is quite simply an expensive mistake the 49ers cannot afford to make. As harsh as it sounds, it was only really last season he proved he is a top player at this level.
Szmodics is similar to Joel Piroe in that he is neither an out-and-out nine or 10, and so there are huge question marks as to where he would fit in the system, an issue the Dutchman encountered after his arrival from Swansea City 12 months ago.
He also turns 29 just a month into the new season and that means should Leeds look to sell him in the future, there is very little in the way of resale value.
That would particularly be a problem if Leeds were to remain in the Championship given how tight PSR constraints are, which will only get worse as parachute payments continue to reduce.
The only way in which a move for Szmodics becomes viable is if both Piroe and Patrick Bamford leave, as it would allow for a complete overhaul of their centre forward options. There are better and younger out there for that price tag.
What Daniel Farke has said about Szmodics previously
Though LeedsUnited.News view Szmodics’ potential arrival as a mistake, Leeds’ interest should come as no surprise given what Daniel Farke previously said about him.
Speaking after Szmodics’ winner at Elland Road back in April, Farke was in absolute awe of how clinical he is in front of goal, in comparison to his attacking options.
He said: “When you face a side like Blackburn with a player like Szmodics, he showed the quality which we didn’t show today and he needed just one chance to score. So many balls went through the box, but you also need to show the quality to put the ball in the net.
“If you don’t score you have so much more risk. There is also a danger there will be one moment for your opponent and they can score. It’s pretty disappointing and frustrating for us. We didn’t put the ball into the net. If you don’t score, you can’t win the game.”
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