Writing for the BBC, Chris Sutton has revealed that he thinks Leeds will be relegated from the Premier League this season, along with Fulham.
What’s the story?
Well, despite some impressive business from Victor Orta this summer, the 49-year-old believes Leeds will not survive this season.
Sutton wrote: “Along with Fulham and Bournemouth, I’ve got Leeds as going down this season. They only just stayed up last time and then sold their two best players, Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, this summer.”
In our view, Leeds will stay up this season.
Yes, Jesse Marsch has lost Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, but the American has also gained a number of exciting players such as Luis Sinisterra, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca.
Tyler Adams and Darko Gyabi are also smart additions by Leeds, as both players have time on their side to grow into gems.
Of course, it will be a tough campaign, as none of these signings have any experience of playing in the Premier League, but with leaders such as Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper at Elland Road, Leeds have enough knowhow to see themselves safe.
Leeds must gel signings quickly
As talented as we believe Marsch’s new signings are, it is imperative that they gel together quickly.
As we’ve seen in the past, when the likes of Fulham and QPR have signed a significant amount of players in one summer, it can often take a while until they start to get results – if any.
A good start is vital for any side hoping to avoid relegation, so if Marsch cannot get his new recruits to click, it could end up costing them at the end of the season.
In truth, just like with Marcelo Bielsa, it could also cost the American his job in Yorkshire if he cannot keep his side’s head above water throughout the season.
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