Leeds have signed three new players in the space of a week.
Former Leeds United star Carlton Palmer has praised owner Andrea Radrizzani for his transfer plan in an interview with Proper Sport, stating that the club have been smart to make signings late on this summer.
Leeds fans had become frustrated with the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market, bringing only Lewis Baker and Jamal Blackman in on loan from Chelsea with a fortnight remaining in the window.
However, over the space of the last week, Radrizzani has splashed out around £13million on left-back Barry Douglas and striker Patrick Bamford, as well as landing winger Jack Harrison on loan from Manchester City.
Leeds now seem well equipped with the influx of new talent ahead of Sunday’s opener against Stoke City, and Palmer praised the club for remaining patient to avoid bidding wars – as well as discussing promotion from the Championship.
“What they’ve done is they’ve waited until the last minute,” Palmer said. “Sometimes you throw your hat into the ring too early for players, bidding goes on and you lose out.
“What they’ve done is they’ve identified the players they want, they’ve waited until the week before the season. Although it’s not ideal preparation for the start of the season, it avoids getting into a bidding war.
“Some good signings and I’m really excited for Leeds United this season. They deserve to be in the Premier League, the fans deserve to be in the Premier League, so hopefully this is their year.”
Blackman is set to go head to head with Bailey Peacock-Farrell for a place between the sticks, while Bamford faces competition from Kemar Roofe up front. Douglas is expected to be one of the first names on Marcelo Bielsa’s team sheet.
Leeds are still expected to be busy in the transfer market this summer after Luke Murphy’s move to Bolton confirmed their 13th departure of the season, with a new centre-back and perhaps another central midfielder required.
Bielsa will be desperate to get Leeds’ season off to a flyer against Gary Rowett’s Stoke City, who themselves have been busy by bringing in the likes of Benik Afobe and Tom Ince, as well as keeping stars such as Joe Allen and Jack Butland.
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