Leeds United had the chance to land some highly-rated talents in the transfer window, but the 49ers had other plans.
Paraag Marathe and the 49ers are hoping to have a sustainable summer window for Leeds, and by making zero signings in January will help towards that.
So far their decision not to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad is paying off dividends, as Leeds thrashed Watford 4-0 in arguably the performance of the season.
To make matters better, Leeds chose not to sign Kelechi Iheanacho which also might pay off after Iheanacho had a horror debut for Middlesbrough.
However, a signing they didn’t make might leave the 49ers and Farke frustrated.
Leeds United transfer target Daniel Svensson gets rave review
Svensson was of interest to Leeds since November but the promising Swedish defender decided to join Borussia Dortmund on loan from parent club Nordsjaelland.
A loan deal might seem strange for a step up to a bigger club, but Dortmund can buy Svensson for £6 million as a clause can be triggered.
Leeds might regret not signing the defender as Svensson has been described as ‘every coach’s dream’ and that has been relayed by Dortmund’s managing director, Lars Ricken.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference to BVB TV on Friday afternoon, Ricken was full of praise after the Swede made his full debut in the Champions League play-off away at Sporting Lisbon, with Dortmund winning 3-0.
“He looked relatively settled,” Ricken said.
“He looked to be incredibly fit and tactically clever.
“He didn’t shy away from any tackles.”
READ MORE: Dan James contract update at Leeds United as 49ers set Premier League ‘targets’
Leeds missed a trick with Svensson after Champions League display
The left-back fit like a glove in Dortmund’s system and the Whites hierarchy will be kicking themselves after the 49ers wanted a full-back at Leeds.
To make you’re Champions League debut at 22 and look like you’ve being playing on the big stage for years is a hard feat to come by, but Svensson made it look easy.
| Svensson’s statistics in Sporting 0-3 Dortmund | |
| Minutes played | 89 |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Passing accuracy % | 88% |
| Passes into final third | 5 |
| Tackles success % | 50% |
The left-back is now 23 after celebrating his birthday after Dortmund’s success.
Leeds had the opportunity and in years to come it could prove to be a catastrophic error from the ownership.
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