Paraag Marathe has done things mostly right at Leeds United during his tenure so far.
It’s clear this summer’s transfer window is working effectively, as after Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw is set to sign for Leeds.
What the Whites faithful have been waiting for is quick and efficient signings from the 49ers, and they’re doing that to a tee so far.
However, there have been a few implications, and missing out on Habib Diarra is one of them after Diarra agreed a move to Sunderland.
But there is something about this deal that stands out, which Marathe has seemingly backtracked on at Leeds.
Habib Diarra questions a decision during Senegal's win over England.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images
Paraag Marathe breaks Leeds United promise after Habib Diarra fiasco
Despite his success with Leeds, the Premier League will be the biggest test for the ownership.
In PSR terms, Leeds will be okay, but this summer will see large spending, which ultimately has a lot riding on staying up this campaign, and the signing of Bijol is certainly a good start.
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Previously, Marathe went back on spending ‘aggressively’, but those fortunes are looking to change; however, a new problem has emerged.
It’s been stated that Leeds have four transfer priorities: A new goalkeeper, centre-back, central midfielder, and striker.
But what also came out of this claim is that the 49ers were willing to spend around ‘£30m’ on each of those positions.
This has emerged as a concern after Leeds refused to match Sunderland’s £30m for Diarra, as Marathe hasn’t lived up to what’s suggested.
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Marathe clearly didn’t see value in Diarra and Leeds will hope he’s right
It’s clear that the Whites could’ve quite easily matched Sunderland’s proposal.
After it was first stated that Leeds bid £24m for Diarra, that might have been the limit for Marathe and the 49ers.
To value a player who isn’t Premier League-proven at £30m is a risk, but there is no denying Diarra’s promise.
🎥 #RCSCRCSA I 𝐋𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐝𝐮 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚̀ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢 !
🆕 Le premier but d'Habib Diarra avec les grands
😱 Le bijou de 30 mètres signé @Sanjin_Prcic #PrépaRCSA pic.twitter.com/G45FyxQhjr
— Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace (@RCSA) July 16, 2022
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But this doesn’t mean Marathe can’t fulfil the strategy laid out, as there is still plenty of time in the window.
However, if Diarra does live up to the £30m fee and more, it will be Leeds who look silly and Sunderland who bathe in their glory.
For Marathe’s sake, he hopes this isn’t the case, as the owner isn’t afraid of making big decisions in the big moments, and this must be all a part of Marathe’s grand plan at Leeds.