Leeds United have shown under 49ers Enterprises that work goes on in the background quietly during a transfer window.
Whites supporters were in unfamiliar territory this time last year with rumours few and far between, unlike under the previous ownership regime where everything seemed to happen in the public eye.
Signings such as Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Ilia Gruev were first rumoured and then completed within 48 hours of each other, and it would appear it is going to be the same again this summer.
Chairman Paraag Marathe said the club would be in a better position to ensure the squad is ready for the start of the season, in comparison to 12 months ago.
By this point, Daniel Farke had only been around a week into the job, and the 49ers had only just received the greenlight for their takeover from the EFL.
Armstrong and Anthony react to Leeds’ new signing Joe Rothwell
Despite Marathe’s claims, it had been a slow start to the window at Elland Road, with Joe Rodon’s permanent return the only significant incoming.
Alex Cairns did become signing number two earlier in the week, but only as a replacement for third choice goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson, who left on Sunday.
However, that all changed on Thursday evening as news broke of Leeds’ agreement with Bournemouth over a season-long-loan for midfielder Joe Rothwell.
Reports stated that Rothwell would be in Leeds to undergo a medical in the next 48 hours, yet by 8.30, the 29-year-old had already been officially announced.
Rothwell spent the second half of last season on loan at Southampton and was actually an unused sub in the play-off final against Leeds in May.
Adam Armstrong was the match-winner at Wembley that afternoon and has given his reaction on Instagram to the signing alongside former Leeds loanee Jaidon Anthony, who is back at Rothwell’s parent club Bournemouth.
- READ MORE: Manager says Leeds United player has ‘loads of things’ to work on after Elland Road loan exit
Is Rothwell good business for Leeds?
While Rothwell may not necessarily be the exciting marquee addition Leeds supporters were craving, he is a solid piece of business.
He is very experienced at this level, something which Farke was craving at times during last season. It is no surprise he has brought someone in of his age.
Rothwell scored four goals in 20 appearances on loan at Southampton and that ability to find the net from midfield is something Leeds desperately lacked with Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray.
He certainly makes the squad stronger and should also be a good sub if Farke reverts back to his preferred partnership of Kamara and Ampadu.
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