Leeds United pulled off some brilliant recruitment after gaining promotion to the Premier League. But, the 49ers’ transfer record wasn’t 100% spotless.
United’s promotion to the top flight was only half the job under Daniel Farke. Staying in the division was an almighty task, but his coaching, alongside shrewd recruitment across the board has allowed us a brilliant season.
The transfer department didn’t have a perfect hit-rate, though, in spite of key signings being a massive reason we got over the line.
Facundo Buonanotte struggles badly in Leeds United loan transfer worth forgetting
Facundo Buonanotte could have been a missing piece for Leeds this season. Instead, he ended up one of the outright worst signings in the division, not once, but twice.
First, he joined Chelsea in August on loan after Leeds had done the leg work to convince him Elland Road was the next place to aid his development. Lo and behold, he was surplus to requirements instantly at Stamford Bridge, leading the Argentine to re-think his decision and finally join Leeds in January.
However, upon joining Leeds, it became quickly clear that he wasn’t up to scratch regarding his fitness and match sharpness. A full debut in the FA Cup away to Birmingham saw him hooked at half-time after struggling with the intensity, barely seen again until an encouraging cameo against West Ham on Sunday.
He returns to Brighton this summer perhaps with a point to prove as the Seagulls compete in the Conference League next term.
Facundo Buonanotte slammed again for baffling Leeds United rejection as loan went sour
The Athletic have now broken down their verdicts on each Premier League transfer from this season, ranking them all from worst to best.
Unsurprisingly, out of 189 in total, Buonanotte features at the wrong end of the list in a lowly 171st.
“A total failure for all concerned. Flopped in his one start (among three total appearances) at Birmingham City in the FA Cup and was hooked at half-time. Had he moved to Leeds in August, when they also wanted him, you wonder how much better things could have been,” the report said.
As the report outlines, there’s a world where Buonanotte enjoyed a strong 25/26. That would only have been possible had he made the right decision in August, moving to Elland Road at the first time of asking.
Leeds United must source new right-sided attacking midfielder to replace Facundo Buonanotte
The logic behind signing Buonanotte in both windows was strong. Ever since taking over, Daniel Farke has needed someone to fill the role of what Norwich City had with Emi Buendia.
A right-sided attacking midfielder that can play wide but also drift through the middle, like a number 10. Buonanotte, on paper, could have been that player for us.
However, he’s not been that player for us. So, this summer needs Leeds to identify someone that can operate in the same role, but actually make an impact.
Immediately, I’m looking at Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott as the most obvious solution.
0% Love 0% Funny 0% Wow 0% Sad 0% Angry