Leeds United are still reeling in their disappointment and failure to get Harry Wilson to Elland Road on deadline day, with the Welshman remaining at Fulham at least until January.
Leeds made their move for Wilson prior to deadline day, but Fulham were focused on bringing players in and moved the goalposts on Monday. But Leeds adhered to the change, willing to pay Fulham’s price tag.
After an initial loan bid was rejected, Leeds held talks over a permanent deal. But they were told that The Cottagers wanted two attackers in first. Fulham signed Kevin for £35m, and a loan for Samuel Chukwueze.
A deal sheet was signed by both Leeds and Wilson, but Fulham pulled the plug at the last minute and Wilson will now remain at Craven Cottage. That is what we do know, but why did Fulham pull the plug?
Harry Wilson celebrates scoring for Fulham against Brentford.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea key in Fulham changing mind about Harry Wilson exit
Fulham were also trying to sign Tyrique George from Fulham, with a £22m bid bandied about. It appears that George’s move to Fulham proved key in Leeds landing Wilson, but there are contrasting reports.
TalkSPORT say Fulham and Chelsea could not come to an agreement on a fee for George, and that is why Wilson remained. However, George is said to have undergone a medical at Fulham ahead of a move.
However, BBC Sport say that George’s move fell through because he was only a ‘contingency plan’ in case Leeds made an offer Fulham could not refuse for Wilson. Ultimately, Fulham preferred Wilson to George.
Tyrique George in action for Chelsea.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Whatever the reason, Leeds must enter the free agent market
Daniel Farke’s comments after the 0-0 draw against Newcastle were damning. Sign a couple of attackers before the deadline, or Leeds are in real danger of relegation come the end of the Premier League term.
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So, if Leeds are to stand any chance of avoiding the drop as Farke says, Leeds need to consider bringing in a free agent having failed to sign Wilson or any others. There are some big names without a club.
Graham Smyth namedropped Josh Brownhill in a recent YEP piece, with Brownhill said to be interested in joining Leeds. LeedsUnited.News has identified Brownhill and four others that Leeds could try to sign.