Leeds United
This January window has come to a surprising end after a very exciting start for Leeds United. When the club announced the signing of Facundo Buonanotte, fans were very excited.
Survival in the Premier League has not been guaranteed, but the Whites have put up a good fight all season. So the 49ers going out to add some reinforcements was a very good thing for the club. Unfortunately, how the window ended was nothing to write home about, and fans will be reminded of how the summer transfer window went as well.
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Despite all the noise and multiple links, the number of ins and outs was quite underwhelming at Elland Road. Here at The Leeds Press, we assess the biggest losers after deadline day.
Illan Meslier is still at Leeds United
Illan Meslier was dropped as the first choice keeper at Leeds United last season, with many expecting him to be replaced in the summer. The Whites did find a new keeper in Lucas Perri, relegating the Frenchman to third choice before the season began. In the summer, Meslier had a lot of interest and offers, but for some reason, club chiefs did not take any deal on the table. And this month, the goalkeeper is still at the club. With his contract expiring in the summer, it means Meslier will have to sit out the next few months before his next move.
Wilfried Gnonto woes continue
Wilfried Gnonto was a big part of Leeds’ promotion last season; he was a livewire when called off the bench and even got a run of games towards the end of the campaign. But this season, we have not seen much of the Italian. New signings have taken his place, and the new 3-5-2 system does not really accommodate him. What will make his stay this month worse is the signing of a player in his position – Facundo Buonanotte. Which means Gnonto will get less and less playing time as the season goes on, a shocking turn of events from last year.
Daniel Farke the biggest loser
In all this, Leeds United boss Daniel Farke comes off the worst. He has done his best this season despite all the odds, and was even on the verge of being sacked at a point. Farke has done some brilliant coaching and has learnt from his mistakes in the first half of the season. But sometimes team quality plays a big role in results; and this Leeds side are not the best. The 49ers should have pushed harder for Jorgen Strand Larsen or at least gotten an alternative in the door at Elland Road.
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