Time is running out for Leeds United to get the three signings they really need.
There is now less than 12 hours until the window slams shut and as the clock ticks closer to that 11pm deadline, the more unlikely it is Leeds are as strong as they need to be.
Daniel Farke made it clear in his pre-Hull City press conference there are still three positions that need addressing and granted, they are two thirds of the way there.
Barring any last minute mishaps, Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt will both be Leeds players by the close of play.
Tanaka will fill that goalscoring number eight role wanted by Farke, while Schmidt will provide cover and competition on both sides of the defence.
49ers could be making deadline day mistake at Leeds
All things considered, deals to sign Tanaka and Schmidt both look like good business. Neither are costing too much, and they have a lot to offer the squad.
However, if they are the only two signings made by Leeds today then it would be hard to argue against it being an underwhelming end to the window.
No club in Europe has made more money in player sales than Leeds this summer, and the £13 million offer for Gustavo Hamer shows it is there to spend.
Georginio Rutter provided that X-Factor from the number 10 role last season and so clearly it is a position Farke wants to strengthen. Leaving themselves short would be a crazy decision.
With Sheffield United holding firm on Hamer, and pessimism surrounding the deal for Roland Sallai, it has all the makings of Leeds simply saying they tried.
Unfortunately, though, that won’t be good enough in the eyes of many supporters and questions have to be asked why they didn’t move earlier, with it now a number of days since it was known Rutter was going.
Considering who Burnley have lost, the lack of depth in Sheffield United’s squad, and Luton Town’s poor start to the season, there won’t ever be a better chance to get promoted than this season.
Leeds would still be in a good position to give it a go with the additions of Tanaka and Schmidt, but bringing in that marquee signing could be the difference between guaranteeing it and not.
What is the likelihood of Leeds getting something else done?
As mentioned, a deal for Freiburg’s Sallai can now be filed under unlikely with Leeds struggling to reach an agreement over the fee.
Of course, that could change very quickly but it seems very little in the way of progress has been made in talks.
As for Hamer, nothing new has been reported since the Sheffield Star’s claim that Leeds saw an offer of cash + Joel Piroe turned down.
Based on both of the latest reports, this looks like it is only ending one way unless Leeds can pull something special off.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
