Leeds United have 15 days to conclude their summer transfer business yet they now have control for manager Daniel Farke on his squad’s fate incoming and outgoing
A corner may have finally been turned at Leeds United as Daniel Farke gets himself into the driving seat for a frantic final fortnight of the transfer window. Four high-calibre second-tier additions seem to have been lost in the relentless drive of 13 exits and myriad relegation release clauses.
The manager, composed throughout his press conferences up to now, has not shied away from how bumpy this summer, and August especially, would be, but there may now be a light at the end of the tunnel. Farke had talked about being out of the driving seat and watching on as Leeds were powerless to stop players from leaving.
And yet, with 15 days of the window to go, it seems destiny may be back in his and the club’s hands for the final push towards a promotion-ready squad. The exit clauses which have dogged the summer have now expired, LeedsLive understands.
Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra were the remaining assets United were most vulnerable to losing, either on loan or permanently, but their clauses were not successfully activated in time. Now, if any further offers come in for that pair, or anyone else in the squad, Farke and the hierarchy will decide if they wish to accept or not.
With the expiry of the clauses, Farke has clarity on what his squad looks like and who he will realistically be able to count on beyond September 1. It’s also crystallised the incoming transfer picture too.
As the Max Aarons pursuit showed, another full-back remains of interest to Leeds. The initial expectation was they may be tempted by a left-back, but Farke’s keenness for a versatile option, like his former Norwich City charge, has developed.
In midfield, with Adams, Ethan Ampadu and Archie Gray currently in place as three dependable options, a fourth, bona fide starter is on United’s radar. If Adams and Ampadu are seen as defensive choices, someone else with attacking traits, like Gray, would fit the bill.
A striker is a third priority for the recruitment team. Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph are in Farke’s plans, but another option would complement what they already have.
Beyond that trio, there would be some temptation to go after another midfielder or a full-back, depending on who is available on the market. With Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, Farke has already made it clear that department is sorted.
Another full-back or two would be added to Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, Leo Hjelde, Luke Ayling and Cody Drameh, leaving both sides well-stocked. Charlie Cresswell, Joe Rodon, Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk have central defence nailed down.
Adams, Ampadu, Gray and another one or two midfielders would be ably backed up by Darko Gyabi, Jamie Shackleton and Lewis Bate, though don’t be surprised to see fringe options find loans of their own. As it stands, the three roles behind a striker would be filled by Crysencio Summerville, Sam Greenwood, Daniel James, Sinisterra, Ian Poveda, Wilfried Gnonto and Joe Gelhardt.
Then one lone striker can be taken from Bamford, Rutter, Joseph or the new face they want in there. The priority in any of the new players arriving is the ability to make an immediate impact in this promotion push.
Resale value and potential have been considered imperative in the past, but this time it’s all about ready-made Championship difference-makers, whether they arrive permanently or on loan. Rodon is a good example.
He represents the calibre of players Leeds should need to get promoted, but buying him would have cost £15m and that is not a realistic sum for many second-tier sides to spend on any player. A loan, in that instance, got Leeds the quality of player they needed without decimating their profit and sustainability position.
As it does with most things in life, a deadline will focus minds and September 1 is rapidly approaching for everyone. Transfer targets are mulling over their options and allowing as much time as possible for the best offer to arrive.
Top-flight players are not quick to drop into the second tier, while Championship clubs are not hasty in selling to a direct rival. It remains a waiting game, but Leeds have more control now than at any other point of the summer.
