The story of the transfer window, told from the perspective of the Leeds United fanbase, is one of frustration.
While Sunderland rested on Regis Le Bris’ deep knowledge of French football to secure the services of none other than Enzo Le Fee – a £20 million Roma loanee who lit up the French top-flight only a few months ago – Sheffield United are sharpening their Blades with two proven Championship hitmen.
Ben Brereton Diaz, one of the division’s most feared forwards at Blackburn Rovers, moves to Bramall Lane on loan from Southampton.
The Stoke-born Chile international will be joined in the Steel City by Tom Cannon, fresh from nine goals in 22 starts for The Potters.
As for Leeds United, the discussions have centred on who has not arrived at Elland Road rather than who has. Leeds reportedly offered £16.5 million for Abdokudir Khusanov a few weeks prior to his eventual £33 million switch to Manchester City.
But if Khusanov always felt a little overly-ambitious – Real Madrid were linked too – Andrew Omobamidele was supposed to be an affordable, attainable alternative. The Nottingham Forest misfit is now heading to Strasbourg instead.
Yet, despite three weeks of about as much high-octane action as a Kiera Knightley period drama, Leeds could still end the window with the most blockbusting addition of them all.
Leeds United told Emi Buendia would seal the Championship title
Leeds United News have been exclusively informed, by football correspondent Graeme Bailey, that Aston Villa would prefer to send Emi Buendia to Elland Road than cash-strapped La Liga giants Valencia.
Leeds are playing the waiting game as they look to reunite Daniel Farke with one of his former Norwich City lieutenants. But, while Villa would prefer to include an obligation-to-buy clause in Buendia’s contract, Bailey remains of the opinion that this is a deal with legs.
Clinton Morrison, the well-travelled former Birmingham City, Crystal Palace, Coventry and Sheffield Wednesday forward, suggestions the addition of Emi Buendia to Leeds United’s ranks would be akin to adding a shot of premium spirit to an already head-spinning cocktail.
“I’ve always said Leeds are my favourites [to win the Championship],” Morrison tells Football League World. “If you look at their bench, it’s so strong. The players they’ve got who can come off the bench and make an impact are exceptional.”
Farke had the luxury of being able to call upon Largie Ramazani and Wilfried Gnonto in the 2-0 midweek win over Norwich City. Should Buendia drop down a division, that could see arguably the division’s premiere number ten Brenden Aaronson relegated to the role of substitute.
“I think Buendia is a class act,” Morrison adds. “The reason he hasn’t become a regular at Aston Villa was because he picked up a serious injury which held up his progression.
“Going to Leeds and going to play regular football and getting promotion to the Premier League, it’s a great fit for both. It’s a good fit for Buendia and a fantastic fit for Leeds. I think if they do get him, they go out and win the league outright.
“I think they win it outright with the squad they’ve got now, but he gives you that little bit of X-Factor and he’s outstanding.”
Daniel Farke leaves door ajar for Buendia to join from Aston Villa
Buendia impressed on a rare Aston Villa start during the Champions League defeat at Monaco this week.
And while Farke feels that Gnonto or Joel Piroe are solid options to start in that number ten role, the German is more than open to the idea of Leeds dipping into the market for an outside hire.
“It’s fair to say, if there is a creative offensive player, a number ten [available], it is definitely something that could be beneficial,” Farke said in the build-up to Monday’s clash with title rivals Burnley. “Brenden Aaronson is excellent, a key player for us, but we don’t have a similar player.
“We have players that can play in this role. Joel Piroe or a winger [such as Gnonto] but it is different. If there is a solution [to sign] a creative player, it makes sense to stay awake.”
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