The “full package” is a player that Leeds United manager Daniel Farke personally wants his team to sign; the cost of this player is revealed in a recent report.
Leeds had to let go of important players after losing out on promotion.
Leeds’ 1-0 loss to Southampton in the Championship play-off final the previous season had terrible repercussions off the field as well, forcing technical director Gretar Steinsson and associates to offload a number of important players.
The sale of Archie Gray to Tottenham for an estimated £40 million, with Joe Rodon going the other way, was possibly the most disappointing of them all. Leeds released a poignant statement following the decision.
“Understanding the attraction of Premier League and European football, the club, with a heavy heart, agreed the transfer, but the move has strengthened the board’s resolve to ultimately return Leeds to a position where it can meet the footballing ambitions of even its brightest stars,” wrote Leeds (via Ben Jacobs).
“While we acknowledge that fans will be deeply saddened by the loss of a homegrown player and a family name that is so closely associated with Leeds United, this move enhances the club’s chances of contending for automatic promotion the following season by enhancing our capacity to assemble a competitive team while adhering to the league’s financial control regulations.
“Everyone at Leeds United is heartbroken to see one of our own depart and would like to thank Archie for all his efforts and professionalism.”
Following Gray, it’s thought Crysencio Summerville will soon leave Leeds to join West Ham, a bitter blow for manager Farke given how important the winger was to his Whites team the previous campaign.
The Dutchman scored 21 goals across all competitions while playing for Farke, and the departure of veteran midfielder Glen Kamara to Rennes in Ligue 1 will also be felt deeply.
Leeds fans will be hoping that their team is looking to sign replacements, especially for Summerville, given the huge volume of outgoings.
Farke personally desires Gabriel Sara to be signed by Leeds.
The Yorkshire team has been frequently connected to Gabriel Sara, an attacker for Norwich City, who is a really interesting addition.
Sara was David Wagner’s outstanding player as the Canaries advanced to the Championship play-off semifinals, where Leeds defeated them. Sara finished the previous season with 14 goals and 13 assists in 53 games across all competitions.
Transfer reporter Graeme Bailey claims that Farke personally wants Leeds to make a move for Sara, but it won’t be simple given Norwich’s estimated £20 million valuation for the Brazilian.
“His potential is evident to all, but he is now in control of games. Off the ball, he’s everywhere “Last year, former Norwich City manager Kenny McLean said about the player.
“That was a major issue when the new manager took over; he was really instilling in him the desire to be more confrontational and combative, and he is acting on it. All he needed was consistency. Right now, he is the whole package for me.”
