It has been a busy summer for the Whites since they lost the play-off final to Southampton back in May, with Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville among the high-profile departures before Rutter. Leeds United boss Daniel Farke wants four new signings before the transfer deadline as he prepares to lose influential forward Georginio Rutter to Brighton.
Fans are understandably anxious about this, and after a humiliating loss to Middlesbrough at home in the League Cup and a 3-3 draw with Portsmouth on opening day, many feel that the team is deficient in crucial areas.
Additionally, Farke told the media that he wants four new players to strengthen the team, including Summerville and Rutter’s replacements, according to writer Joe Donnohue.
“Farke feels Leeds need a midfielder, a full-back cover player, a Summerville replacement, and an attacking player who can replace Georginio with ‘the entire package’ of goals and assists. Manager in ‘daily discussions’ at Elland Road with heads of recruitment.
Leeds United must sign top talent before to the transfer deadline.
Leeds’ current problem is that they don’t just need to bring in any old players.
Summerville won the Championship’s Player of the Year award the previous season, and Rutter proved to be a valuable addition with his seven goals and sixteen assists.
So, it’s about identifying real quality before the deadline, and whilst the funds should be available now, it has to be spent wisely.
We know that spending big doesn’t guarantee success, and Leeds are now in a position where they have to replace their two best attacking players with just over two weeks left in the deadline.
That is not the position they would’ve wanted to be in, whilst it also leaves them vulnerable to clubs raising their prices, knowing the Whites are in an increasingly desperate situation.
In fairness to the board, the Rutter sale is something that is out of their hands, as he had a release clause from joining Leeds in the Premier League, and it’s not down to them that Brighton decided to trigger it at the last minute.
Daniel Farke is right to send Leeds United transfer message
However, they will be questioned about why other deals haven’t already been lined up.
The need for a left-back has been obvious for some time, ensuring they have natural cover behind Junior Firpo. Similarly, after Glen Kamara and Gray departed, it was clear they required another central midfielder beyond Joe Rothwell.
So, you can understand Farke’s frustration, and there is pressure on the owners to suitably back the manager in the final weeks.
The German has faced some criticism of his own after the first two results, and he will be aware that things can turn quickly if Leeds don’t start winning games, so he will want a squad that can cope with the demanding Championship season.
Leeds are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to The Hawthorns to take on West Brom as they seek to get their first win on the board against a side many expect to be a fellow promotion rival.
