Leeds United were left counting the cost of not doing enough on deadline day as they failed to bring in the attacking reinforcements that Daniel Farke made it clear were needed to improve his side’s hopes of staying in the Premier League this season.
The Whites were left scrambling for players in the final hours of the transfer window, and their pursuit of Harry Wilson collapsed at the last minute after Fulham backed out of a deal to sell the winger with minutes left for the transfer deadline.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Leeds still need reinforcements, and the club could do some business if they move for a free agent or two in the coming days. The club did sign Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on free transfer deals in the summer.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
Here are five free agents Leeds United could still sign
Josh Brownhill
Brownhill scored 18 goals in the Championship last season and led Burnley to promotion to the Premier League. However, he decided against signing a new contract and left the Clarets this summer. The attacking midfielder has been assessing all summer and is still without a club. He has a huge offer on his table from Saudi Arabia, and has rejected approaches from Leicester City and Wolves.
He is believed to be keen on playing in the Premier League, and Leeds could take a gamble on him, given his experience and goalscoring threat from midfield.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
The former Arsenal and Liverpool star terminated his contract with Besiktas towards the end of the transfer window and is keen to return to England this season. A versatile player, he can play in midfield, in the wide areas and even as a full-back when needed. He will bring Premier League and Champions League-winning experience to a team, and Leeds were said to have offered him a contract earlier in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether they try to take him to Elland Road after the deadline day chaos.
Dele Alli
The former Tottenham attacking midfielder is available on a free transfer after he terminated his contract with Serie A side Como on deadline day. The England star is keen to return home, and playing in the Premier League would be his preference.
Despite his recent struggles, he remains a quality creative midfielder who could emerge as a difference maker in a team. Leeds need a creative player in their squad, and Alli could emerge as an option.
Hakim Ziyech
Former Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech could be a left-field option for Leeds United in the coming months. The silky Moroccan winger, now 32, saw his contract with Al-Duhail terminated by mutual consent in May after a short spell in Qatar, following a stint at Galatasaray.
Injuries have disrupted his career in recent seasons, raising doubts about whether he can still perform at the very top level. However, his creativity, vision, and experience remain undeniable qualities that Leeds could tap into.
Farke wants a wide player, and Ziyech could be seen as a short-term solution. He also has Premier League experience, which is something the manager wants more of in his squad.
Christian Eriksen
The experienced Danish midfielder is among the clutch of players who left Manchester United this summer, and was expected to have his pick of clubs in the Premier League given his performances at Old Trafford. However, he is still without a club, and that could work in Leeds’ favour.
Leeds need some creative influence in their team, and Eriksen could just be the kind of player who could come in and be the creative conductor of the team. He has been linked with a sensational move to Wrexham, but if given a choice to stay in the Premier League, he is likely to opt for it.
Related Topics