The January transfer window of 2023 was a crucial one in Leeds United’s pursuit of Premier League safety with Jesse Marsch looking to bring in the signings that could keep Leeds up.
The Whites finished the month with three senior additions in the form of club-record arrival Georginio Rutter, USA midfielder Weston McKennie on loan from Juventus and Max Wober, reuniting with Marsch.
In hindsight, a dismal window when Leeds needed so much better. It contributed to Marsch’s sacking, Victor Orta’s departure and ultimately relegation a few months later – with Leeds still trying to recover.
McKennie flopped, Rutter wasn’t ready and Wober jumped ship for Gladbach at the first opportunity. But there were a number of players shortlisted that summer that could have helped, including Milos Kerkez.
Leeds wanted to sign Milos Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar in 2023
Left-back has always been an issue for Leeds and in the Premier League, Junior Firpo was criticised heavily for his inability to defend. Good in a side that want to attack, but weaknesses laid bare when defending.
They needed better on the left of the defence and it saw Leeds linked with a £15m move for Kerkez. At the time, he had been impressing with AZ Alkmaarin The Netherlands – also tempting Newcastle United.
Bournemouth signed the Hungary star that summer, and he has gone on to shine in the Premier League. Described as the “total package” by AZ director Max Huiberts on NOS, Kerkez is a target for Liverpool.
Liverpool now want Milos Kerkez for staggering transfer fee
The Times say Liverpool are interested in signing Kerkez as a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson and will need to spend £45m to get him. Three times the fee Leeds could have got him for back in 2023.
Instead, Leeds splashed the cash on a striker that was unable to speak English and had little impact with The Whites having four different managers during the second half of that season, Rutter’s first months.
McKennie looked like a good signing but failed and Wober has proved to be a nightmare – jumping ship on loan and spending the majority of this season injured. Kerkez would have been a superb addition.
Judging by his form for Bournemouth and that Leeds could have tripled their money on the Hungarian, with Bournemouth now set to do so if Liverpool do indeed meet their asking price for the flying lefty.
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