It felt like the end of the world to Leeds United fans, when the club failed to get any last-minute deals over the line. The club pursued Harry Wilson, but Fulham eventually said no.
Rewind a month to the end of July and Leeds had given themselves a brilliant base. Seven new signings, the goalkeeper, midfield and most of the defence sorted out. But just three signings followed in August.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor and James Justin signed in the final month of the window, but Leeds wanted more. Igor Paixao chose Marseille, while Facundo Buonanotte inexplicably chose to join Chelsea.
Two days before the end of the window, Farke said he wanted one or two more attacking signings. It set up what was going to be an exciting end to the window, and Leeds identified Harry Wilson as a target.
Daniel Farke during Leeds' clash against Newcastle.
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Farke’s true feelings about the final hours of the transfer window
Wilson wanted to join Leeds, but Fulham pulled the plug at the last minute. The 28-year-old was forced to remain in West London, with Marco Silva’s side unable to do a deal for Chelsea talent Tyrique George.
Given his comments after Newcastle and the worrying nature of them, The Mail state that Farke was disappointed at Leeds being unable to make any more signings. But, that he understands it was a ‘blip’.
It is believed Farke echoes Adam Underwood and Robbie Evans’ stance that on the whole it was a good window, but ended badly. Now, Leeds will have to go at least until January with the options they have.
A closeup image of the Leeds United badge on a corner flag at Elland Road
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Injuries have been aplenty among Leeds’ 10 new signings
Leeds have entered a market where they chose to target players with high ceilings, hopefully about to hit their peak. Experienced, but opting for players in the final years of their deals to reduce transfer fees.
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Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff, Sebastiaan Bornauw all examples. Leeds also accepted that they might get players a bit cheaper, if they had a history of injuries, like Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Well, already, Lucas Perri is injured for a second time. Bornauw got an injury in Germany, Gudmundsson came off early against Newcastle, Okafor was a ‘doubt’ for Newcastle and Calvert-Lewin is yet to start.
So, have Leeds spent wisely and can Farke be genuinely happy? Well, it all depends on the next few weeks. Four games to determine where Leeds will finish at the end of the season, before the next break.