Another deal collapses, a grim week on the pitch, and the question has to be asked: are Leeds United actually any stronger than last year? The 5-0 thrashing at Arsenal brutally exposed the lack of quality needed to compete at the top level, while the midweek defeat to a young, crisis hit Sheffield Wednesday side underlined the worrying lack of quality in depth. For all the talk of months of planning, ambition, and a £100 million summer spend, doubts are creeping in, not just about results, but about the 49ers whole recruitment strategy this summer. Last season, the goalkeeping position was a glaring issue. Illan Meslier, once considered one of Europe’s most promising young stoppers, has stalled badly in his development. Costly errors became a recurring theme, his confidence drained and Joe Rodon’s blood pressure raised with every mistake. The club sought competition, but has anything really changed? Perri arrived with a reputation as a competent alternative, but early signs hardly suggest an upgrade. Karl Darlow, meanwhile, remains a decent professional but nowhere near the level required to serve as a reliable Premier League back-up. At the back, Leeds have seen Junior Firpo and Max Wöber depart. Firpo, for all his defensive frailties, at least offered attacking width, something Gudmundsson, a solid if unspectacular signing, may not replicate. Bornauw and Bijol provide depth in central defence, but their showing against Wednesday raised concerns: are they quick enough for the Premier League-ready, or will teams pass them by? Elsewhere, Isaac Schmidt has gone out on loan, replaced by James Justin. On paper, Justin looks a promising addition, athletic, versatile, with top-flight experience, but time will tell. The midfield overhaul has been more noticeable. Out go Guilavogui and Rothwell, in come Stach and Longstaff. Stach looks a shrewd signing, tidy on the ball and disciplined out of possession, while Longstaff brings grit and Premier League experience. But here’s the issue: where is the creativity? Where is the progressive midfielder to link play and drive the team forward? Can Leeds rely on Ao Tanaka as their only creative outlet in the middle? Leeds have certainly added depth, but the lack of variety is glaring. Without a true playmaker, this midfield risks becoming functional rather than transformative.
Losing Manor Solomon, arguably Leeds’ best performer last season, back to Spurs was a blow, and letting Largie Ramazani head to Valencia has only compounded the issue. In their place, Jack Harrison returns from an uninspiring spell at Everton, and Noah Okafor arrives after barely featuring for Napoli last season. Harrison is dependable but rarely spectacular, while Okafor has so far looked hesitant, reluctant to take on defenders. Compared to last season’s wing options, it’s hard to argue Leeds have moved forward. The departure of Patrick Bamford, after seven years of service, was on the cards after Daniel Farke admitted he wasn’t in his plans this season. Alongside him, young prospect Mateo Joseph heads out on loan. Their replacements are Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, players with physical presence, yes, but hardly prolific in recent years. Joel Piroe now shoulders the burden of leading the line in the Premier League. Without a creative No.10 supplying him, that feels like a tall order. Calvert-Lewin injuries and recent goalscoring record and Nmecha’s inconsistency hardly reassure a fanbase desperate for reliable goals.
So, after £100 million spent, what do Leeds have to show for it? On one hand, there’s no denying the squad has more depth. Players like Stach, Justin, and Calvert-Lewin are names with pedigree. But the fundamental question is whether this team has actually improved in quality, or simply swapped like-for-like. Too many of the summer’s signings look like sideways moves rather than genuine upgrades. As top targets slip away and performances stutter, fans are left wondering: has the money been invested wisely? Is this really a squad built to survive in the Premier League, or one more suited to Championship football?