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Fulham’s Harry Wilson in action against Brighton.
After Daniel Farke publicly requested attacking arrivals more than once, Leeds United got to work on deadline day and even had a deal agreed to sign an impressive winger at one stage.
Although some will be disappointed that certain deals didn’t get over the line, it was still a busy summer at Elland Road. The 49ers got off to a rapid start, welcoming the likes of Jaka Bijol and then Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff, but soon found it more difficult when attempting to sign the attacking reinforcements that Farke requested.
In the end, the Whites were forced to settle for the 10 signings that they had completed and the £101m that the 49ers splashed out to welcome those additions. But it wasn’t for the want of trying.
Those at Elland Road attempted to solve their attacking problems with Igor Paixao early in the window before he joined Marseille. It was then a familiar story when chasing Facundo Buonanotte, who joined Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Both players would have made a difference to the current frontline and there’s no doubt that all involved at the club will be frustrated to have missed their targets.
None more so, however, than Farke, who said before the season got underway: “We are not naive. We know that even in comparison to our Championship offence you could say that we are not much improved.”
Whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor have changed the German’s stance remains to be seen, but what certainly would have helped is if Leeds managed to get the late target that they were gunning for on deadline day.
Leeds had late deal agreed for Wilson
In one final blow on deadline day, Leeds had a deal agreed to sign Harry Wilson before Fulham pulled the plug, according to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs.
The Whites reportedly met their asking price before Fulham changed their stance and, by deadline day, wanted to re-negotiate. Even after Leeds’ improved offer that led to an agreement and subsequent deal sheet, however, the West London club called the transfer off. It was one last act to sum up a summer full of frustration for the 49ers.
It remains to be seen if the deal is revisited in January, but it would certainly be interesting to see him in a Leeds shirt. It wasn’t so long ago that the Welshman was silencing Elland Road with a goal and an assist to help Derby County on their way to play-off victory.
Ultimately, Marco Silva didn’t want to lose his man and a player that he’s been full of praise of in the past. The former Everton boss told reporters last season: “He’s an important player and a very good player for us. Of course the feeling for him against Brentford is fantastic and he’s probably thinking right now, ‘why don’t I play against Brentford every week?’.”
