Leeds United had a nightmarish end to the summer transfer window. They failed to bring in the attackers that Daniel Farke made it clear were essential to boost the club’s chances of surviving in the Premier League at the end of the season.
The club are insistent that a bad deadline day should not overshadow the good work they carried out in the entire transfer window. However, there is no hiding the fact that Leeds fumbled badly towards the end of the summer, and on Monday night, they were left empty-handed once the Harry Wilson transfer collapsed.
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Leeds were linked to a couple of free transfer deals at the end of the window, but managing director Robbie Evans more or less poured cold water over bringing in any players once the transfer window closed.
The Whites had an interest in former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, but the forward is set to join Qatari side Al-Rayyan after Al-Hilal agreed to terminate his contract.
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Leeds United target Aleksandar Mitrovic decided against returning to England
Mitrovic was heavily linked with a return to England, and Leeds were among the clubs that expressed interest in bringing him back to the Premier League.
He scored 14 Premier League goals in his last season at Fulham before moving to Saudi Arabia, and he would have found takers if he agreed to return to England.
Journalist Graeme Bailey revealed that the forward considered offers in England, but ultimately decided against returning, as he wanted to protect his legacy at Fulham.
He remains a wildly popular figure at Craven Cottage, and he didn’t want to play for another Premier League club other than Fulham.
“I am told that Mitrovic listened to the options put to him, but in many ways, he was unsure about coming back due to the impact it might have on his Fulham legacy”, Bailey told TBR Football.
“We can’t underestimate just how much he loved his time at Craven Cottage.
“He did consider it, but they were not quite right for him at this point, but I would not rule out a return at some point.”
Leeds will hope their gamble pays off
The Whites have gambled big on Dominic Calvert-Lewin remaining fit this season after signing him on a free transfer this summer.
Leeds have attracted criticism for waiting too long for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz before turning their head towards signing the former Everton striker
Calvert-Lewin is still to get a start in a Leeds shirt, but the club are confident that he will be fit enough to get into the starting eleven after the international break.
Leeds will hope the forward does not break down or else, Farke and his team will be staring at a long season of struggle.
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