Leeds United failed to sign a single player during the January transfer window despite strong links with Cameron Archer on deadline day, and Ross McCormack thinks Leeds missed a trick.
Daniel Farke outlined the need for a striker, a no.10 and a centre-back at Leeds. Priority shifted to a new striker in the final hours of the window with Patrick Bamford injured and Joe Gelhardt joining Hull on loan.
But nothing materialised. It leaves Leeds light up top with Bamford on the sidelines with a hamstring issue and lacking cover for Brenden Aaronson in the 10 role, with Aaronson starting 28 league games in a row.
Leeds failed to sign a single player but their promotion rivals all significantly improved. Sheffield United made a total of seven signings, while Leeds fans were concerned by Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee signing.
Ross McCormack says Leeds should have signed Marcus Edwards
Burnley have also been busy. Scott Parker has added experience in Jonjo Shelvey and Ashley Barnes, while spending money on Oliver Sonne and Jaydon Banel and adding Marcus Edwards on loan from Sporting.
The latter is a real coup. A player compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino on Sky, Edwards has sparkled under Ruben Amorim at Sporting over the last few years, impressing on the European stage.
Parker played a key role in signing Edwards, reuniting with his old Tottenham teammate. Following the news, Ross McCormack said: “Feel like Leeds have been caught asleep here. This boy is a serious player.”
Naturally a winger, but Edwards could have solved no.10 issue
For Spurs’ U21 side, Guimaraes and then Sporting Lisbon, Edwards has predominantly been used as a winger. But, the pocket-sized England U21 talent has the technique and creativity to play as a no.10.
Burnley have struggled to score goals of late but bringing in some creation in Edwards goes some way to solving that. He has had a hand in 50 goals in 120 games for Portuguese giants Sporting since joining.
Edwards would have been a sensational signing for Leeds and certainly, improves Burnley’s chances of securing an immediate return to the Premier League. Leeds though, failed to bring in a single signing.
Especially, given Burnley have an obligation to make Edwards’ loan a permanent signing for a bargain £8m fee if The Clarets do gain promotion, according to a report from Sky Sports on deadline day.
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