Leeds United were ultimately left scrambling for options in search of attacking reinforcements and that reportedly resulted in a last-gasp bid to sign an impressive star.
The transfer targets that Leeds missed
Initially, like Sunderland, Leeds enjoyed an excellent start to the summer. They welcomed the likes of Sean Longstaff and Jaka Bijol. The 49ers were ready to back their man in the hunt of becoming the first in six promoted sides to avoid Premier League relegation at the first time of asking. Challenges quickly appeared, however, and as such, top targets moved ou of their grasp.
It looked as though Igor Paixao was destined for Elland Road in a statement deal early in the window, before Marseille swooped in. Links also emerged with Everton's Beto and Fulham's Rodrigo Muniz, but the Whites were quickly forced to settle on a free deal for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Once again, Daniel Farke missed out on his top target.
beto-everton-pre-season-friendly
Beto scoring for Everton.
As for the latter stages of the window, it was all about a No.10 for those in Yorkshire. Alas, a familiar story unfolded. This time, it was Facundo Buonanotte and Emiliano Buendia who burst their bubble, with the former heading to Chelsea in surprising fashion and the latter opting to stay put at Villa Park.
After taking four points from a possible nine to get off to a solid start this season, Farke will hope that his side is still strong enough to avoid the drop this season. Even he admitted before the transfer window closed that he needed to see more goals added to his side.
"Everyone in the club says: ‘OK, we want to try everything to give us the best possible squad’. Everyone wants to add, in the offence, some more quality players. If not, we also won’t raise the white flag and say, ‘OK, that’s it’."
It is also worth noting that Leeds looked down their list of options right until the deadline and even saw an offer rejected for a Championship star.
Leeds lodged late Hamer bid
According to Sheffield United reporter Callum Cheswick, Leeds launched a late offer to sign Gus Hamer, only for Sheffield United to hand them a swift rejection amid a feeling that their offer was below the midfielder's valuation.
Whether Leeds should have gone in for Hamer a second time is the question that they decided to leave unanswered. According to Cheswick, the Sheffield United star would have been content to stay at the club if he felt as though his valuation hadn't been met, but became open to a move away from the club and back to the Netherlands throughout the window.
In the end, it's a case of what if for Leeds, who attempted to sign a player that former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder dubbed a "standout" star last season.