Leeds United supporters will reflect on the summer transfer window with mixed feelings.
The deadline day additions of Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt saw Leeds end the window with eight new signings, with plenty heading in the opposite direction.
In terms of both pedigree and value for money, Leeds certainly look as though they have made some smart signings this summer, though only time will tell.
Aside from Joe Rodon, Jayde Bogle and Joe Rothwell, Leeds opted against going down the route of proven performers at this level, presumably due to the cost of those deals.
Unfortunately, that strategy means they have missed out on a number of top players, and so LeedsUnited.News have taken a look at the five of the best of them.
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Gustavo Hamer
It is difficult to start anywhere else but Gustavo Hamer considering it was in the last week of the window Leeds tried to prise him from Sheffield United.
Leeds made two offers for Hamer, one of which included Joel Piroe, and even reportedly agreed personal terms with him.
However, Sheffield United refused to budge from a price tag of £18 million and so Leeds missed out on what could’ve been the perfect number 10 for Farke’s squad.
Roland Sallai
Another one Leeds tried doing a deal for late on was Freiburg’s Roland Sallai, who would’ve been an incredible signing at this level.
Just like last season, Leeds’ squad is missing that left-footed right-wing option and Sallai was the man they were targeting to fill that role.
A 52-time capped Hungarian international with an abundance of European football experience, what a statement this would’ve been.
Who knows, perhaps Leeds return in January given he is out of contract next summer.
Jack Clarke
When Leeds were scouring the market for potential Crysencio Summerville replacements, Jack Clarke was undoubtedly the most ambitious option.
Unfortunately, at £20 million Sunderland were commanding a fee beyond what Leeds were willing to pay as a Championship club, and so it never really moved beyond initial enquiries.
In the end, Clarke ended up getting a deserved move to the Premier League with Ipswich Town, and it will be interesting to see how he gets on at that level.
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Jonathan Rowe
Alongside Clarke, Jonathan Rowe was another option Leeds were considering to replace Summerville, but they just didn’t get close to meeting Norwich’s valuation.
Leeds’ initial enquiry began at the £7 million mark but in the end, he made the move to Ligue 1 side Marseille for a fee way over double that.
Once Marseille made their interest known, Rowe also made it clear pretty early on that was whom he wanted to join.
Gabriel Sara
Leeds were only briefly linked with a move for Gabriel Sara but again, it’s clear they were targeting the cream of the crop in the Championship before being priced out.
Sara was one of only three players who registered double figures for both goals and assists last season, which is why Norwich City were demanding £20 million.
In the end, Sara ended up making the switch to Galatasaray, a side Leeds cannot compete with financially while they are in the Championship. Premier League, perhaps a different story.
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