In the summer, Angus Kinnear left Leeds United after eight years at Elland Road to join Everton, and he took Nick Hammond with him. It meant Leeds hired internally when picking a sporting director.
Although he had his critics, Kinnear did a good job with Leeds as chief executive. The former West Ham and Arsenal figure oversaw the hiring of Marcelo Bielsa and two promotions while he was at the helm.
But he was chosen to oversee Everton’s transition to a new stadium and the first months under new ownership. Kinnear took Hammond with him, who had largely been working as Leeds’ sporting director.
Adam Underwood was promoted to replace him, ahead of what was Leeds’ most important window in years. Fans believe the summer was a failure, given that the club failed to bring in adequate attackers.
Meanwhile at Everton, The Toffees produced some solid signings in the summer including Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Everton have money to spend are in the mix for some big signings in January.
Leeds fans not happy as Everton’s January targets emerge
According to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, Everton are considering moves to sign Ivan Toney from Al Ahli, with the striker looking for a Premier League club to revive his chances of a World Cup ticket with England.
Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is also an option, but Gabriel Jesus is unlikely to move. Dorsett posted on X: “Everton prioritising a new striker in Jan, and one of a different profile to Beto and Barry.
“Ivan Toney and Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee are high up on their list of possible targets if either become available. Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus looks out of reach, after Arteta said he won’t be moving.”
It has prompted an angry reaction from Leeds fans. Despite Robbie Evans telling fans that Leeds is close to overstepping the PSR line, supporters are aggrieved that it is not Leeds looking to sign these players.
The frustration is made even worse given Leeds are struggling in the Premier League. Four defeats from five has not helped matters, with supporters concerned of the club’s ability to avoid a relegation scrap.
One fan posted sarcastically, “Remember, the 49ers work in silence”. Another said, “if you’re expecting Hollywood signings, you’ll be let down”. Clearly, there is a lack of trust in Underwood and The 49ers.
“The craziest thing” for one Leeds fan is that Kinnear and Hammond are targeting big signings like Toney and Zirkzee, while Leeds shop for players a level below. Another joked “we will re-sign Bamford”.
Which attacking players have Leeds been linked with?
Leeds are expected to go back in for an attacking midfielder, having missed out on Harry Wilson at Fulham. A new striker could also be a possibility, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin having only scored once.
The latest to be linked is Midtjylland’s Franculino, but LeedsUnited.News understands he could cost as much as £40m. LeedsUnited.News also understand that Haji Wright and Jens Petter Hauge are targets.
But it all boils down to whether Leeds can buy players in the summer. Or, will Leeds have to organise clever deals in which players are initially signed on loan with a permanent option activated in the summer.
There are also just the options of straight loan deals, with Serie A duo Lorenzo Pellegrini and Piotr Zielinski linked with Leeds. Plenty of players, possibly good signings, but perhaps a level below Toney.
Ally McCoist reckons Leeds will be in the market for Toney, but given his enormous wages and the form he has shown in the Premier League beforehand, why would he join a Leeds side set to fight relegation?
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