Adam Underwood’s first summer window ended in failure at Leeds United. The club’s position in the Premier League is proof of that, having been rejected by several key targets.
Leeds had a bid accepted by Feyenoord for Igor Paixao, but Marseille stole in with Underwood confident of a deal. Then, there was Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte in the final days of the transfer window.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
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Leeds even filed for a deal sheet after the summer deadline to get a move for Wilson over the line. Wilson was supposedly keen on a move to Elland Road, but Fulham pulled the plug on a deal for the Wales star.
Now, ahead of the January window, the message is clear. Leeds need attacking reinforcements after just 10 goals in 11 league games, but they have received another rejection, this time for Gonzalo Garcia.
Leeds were confident of signing Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia
Garcia’s stock has risen after a brilliant summer in which he netted four goals in six games for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup. But since then, Garcia has been limited to little over 100 minutes of senior action.
Last week, it was reported that Leeds were among the clubs interested in signing Spain U21 star Garcia. But The Mirror reported on Saturday that Leeds have been stopped in their tracks by boss Xabi Alonso.
Leeds were planning an initial loan for Garcia, with the option of a £20m deal at the end of the season. A deal that would solve Leeds’ issues with new signings despite the cloud of PSR looming over Elland Road.
The Mirror say Garcia was open to joining a Premier League club. Leeds were even confident. But Alonso has spoken to Garcia and made it clear he sees the young striker in his short-term and long-term plans.
Why are Leeds struggling to get deals over the line for players?
There are a few issues, and January will prove to be much more of a struggle than the summer. The first is the inexperience of Underwood as sporting director. There is an issue with getting a deal over the line.
Leeds’ position in the league as a newly-promoted side and, as things stand, sitting in the bottom three, does not help proceedings. Players will be wary of joining Leeds while relegation remains such a threat.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
Robbie Evans on Leeds United’s PSR position
A few wins ahead of January will do wonders for the club in the market but that doesn’t feel realistic, given Leeds face Villa, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool over the next fortnight in the Premier League.
PSR remains an issue and it saw Sunderland outbid Leeds for players like Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra in the summer. Ultimately, Leeds are fighting a losing battle and Garcia is the latest example in a long list.
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