Leeds United’s utterly dreadful Wednesday evening has culminated in the urgent need for new signings.
Not only were Leeds dismantled 3-0 in the Carabao Cup by Middlesbrough, they were then rocked by the news of Brighton & Hove Albion activating Georginio Rutter’s £40 million release clause.
Rutter has not yet decided whether to make the move, but it would take some decision for him to reject the opportunity of playing for a progressive Premier League club, with Leeds said to be begging for him to stay.
His exit would signal the need for not just one big attacking signing, but two. Having said that, anyone who is brought in at this stage is unlikely to be able to replicate the output of either Crysencio Summerville or Rutter.
One player Leeds have been heavily linked with in the last couple of weeks is Jonathan Rowe, though progress has been slow on reaching a deal.
Romano shares Rowe’s Leeds or Marseille preference
Whether this news regarding Rutter will prompt Leeds to stump up what Norwich want for Rowe remains to be seen, but it is Marseille making moves.
Marseille yesterday saw a second offer rejected by the Canaries for the 21-year-old, in the form of an initial loan deal, with an obligation-to-buy next summer.
Fabrizio Romano has echoed those reports and gone one step further by revealing Rowe’s stance behind-the-scenes.
Having been told to play in the U21s after withdrawing from the Norwich squad to face Oxford last week, it is quite clear that Rowe’s stance elsewhere.
However, amid interest from Leeds and Marseille, it is indeed the latter he wants to join, with Rowe said to be ‘pushing’ for a deal to get done.
It will be interesting to see whether Leeds now decide to come to the table with a proper offer, though it remains to be seen if that could turn his head away from Marseille.
Leeds window in complete disarray
With Rowe seemingly set on a move to Marseille, and Rutter potentially on his way out, Leeds’ window is in danger of spiralling out of control.
Daniel Farke has urged patience when it comes to Leeds making signings but it is going to take a serious effort to get in the quality they need now.
Leeds’ squad now is a whole lot weaker than the one they ended last season and given how Burnley and Sheffield United are looking, the next two weeks could determine their top two chances.
A poor end to the window and serious questions will be asked of the 49ers and their intentions at Elland Road.
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