After Leeds United have spent over £80 million this transfer window, the 49ers could still have a large chunk of the budget remaining.
Daniel Farke’s squad is looking a lot fresher as the Whites’ depth can be admired for a side expected to fight against relegation.
There could be plenty more of the 49ers’ £150 million funds to be used, but the owners will want to land the right targets.
Buying players from the Premier League was expected, and adding Sean Longstaff’s strong ‘leadership’ and experience will be useful.
But Leeds came close to adding more power from the English top flight, as a player’s agent has spoken out.
Leeds United wanted Southampton defender Jan Bednarek
An area where there is a very low possibility of more recruitment is Leeds’ centre-backs.
After the arrivals of Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, there is very little need for any more additions in this section of the squad, but Jan Bednarek could have joined instead.
The Southampton defender suffered relegation from the Premier League last season. Despite that, he earned himself a move to Champions League side Porto.
Polish YouTube channel Meczyki spoke to Bednarek’s agent, Tomasz Magdziarz, about other clubs that were named in the race for the Polish centre-back, and Farke’s side were mentioned.
“There were offers from England and beyond. Leeds United and West Ham also showed interest. Many clubs were interested in Janek,” Magdziarz said.
“However, we must remember that he had a very good contract at Southampton, one of the highest, and many clubs that were interested in him couldn’t afford it.”
Due to the 49ers potentially not being able to afford the 29-year-old’s demands, it follows Leeds rejecting Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s £150k-a-week wage, as the Whites are clearly not taking on excessive salaries.
It appears as a smart choice made, but Bednarek certainly fits the description that the hierarchy want this summer.
Jan Bednarek fits Leeds United transfer description with set-piece threat
With the club’s strategy this summer being outlined, Bednarek would’ve fit Farke’s plans to a tee.
From this window, it’s been seen that the Whites are improving the height in the squad, which has been a trend through the new additions.
Leeds plan to rely on set-pieces, as with Anton Stach’s towering six-foot-four presence alongside Bijol’s height, they provide a danger for opposition.
With Bednarek’s ‘immense’ qualities, he would have been another threat in the box for the Whites.
| Games played | 30 |
| Headed goals | 1 |
| Aerial duels won | 72 |
| Aerial duels won % | 66.1% |
| Aerial duels won per 90 | 2.56 |
As the Polish star stands at six-foot-three, it’s pretty obvious why the 49ers wanted to sign the former Southampton centre-back.
But due to his high wages, this put off the Whites and will hopefully be a decision they don’t come to regret.
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