Last summer saw Daniel Farke forced to rebuild his Leeds United squad due to the sales of four key players, while losing a handful more due to expiring contracts and loans ending.
Archie Gray, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Glen Kamara were sold. Jamie Shackleton, Liam Cooper saw their Elland Road contracts expire while Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony’s loans ended.
It forced Farke and Leeds into the transfer market to bring in some new signings, with eight additions made. The likes of Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon all arrived in Yorkshire.
But Farke wanted more and was embroiled in a transfer saga with old side Norwich City over a move for England U21 international Jonathan Rowe. Instead, Rowe moved to France with Ligue 1 side Marseille.
Jonathan Rowe admits enduring difficult Marseille spell this term
Versatile attacker Rowe was initially linked with Leeds for a £7m fee. As weeks went by, Leeds were willing to pay £15m for Rowe but clearly, the attacker chose to join De Zerbi and Marseille back in August 2024.
Rowe signed initially on loan, with an obligation worth £12.5m. Fast forward until now, and Rowe has only been afforded four starts and less than 700 minutes of action. He discussed his frustrations on Saturday.
“It’s been difficult for me personally. It’s been a change, coming from Norwich where I was a key player to coming here, it’s been a challenge. There is an expectation to perform. I’ve embraced it, it’s been difficult.
“I’ve been left out of the starting XI a lot of times. Obviously, it has affected me a bit – a lot of people can see that. I’ve carried on, even though I’ve been down some days,” he told Get French Football news.
Leeds United battling Angus Kinnear for Jonathan Rowe move
Perhaps unsurprisingly given Farke’s willingness to raid old side Norwich for Rowe last summer, Leeds have reignited their interest in the attacker even with Premier League football likely to be on the horizon.
However, Leeds will have to do battle with Angus Kinnear for Rowe. That is because Everton are also keen on doing a deal for Rowe, likely as a replacement for Jack Harrison who will see his loan end this summer.
Whether Rowe is willing to leave Marseille after just one season remains to be seen, but the way he has spoke publicly about his Marseille game time and frustration would suggest he may be keen on an exit.
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