Leeds United will need new signings this summer after a disappointing season.
Leeds United harboured hopes of a play-off push after missing out last season, but a superb start under Thomas Christiansen couldn’t be maintained, and the Spaniard lost his job as Leeds boss back in February.
Paul Heckingbottom has arrived as his successor, and after just two wins in 2018 so far, there could be plenty of changes this summer. With that in mind, here is a five-point plan for how Leeds can attack the summer transfer window…
1. Mix in Championship experience with European finds
Leeds have heavily invested in the European market over the last year, and whilst it’s great that the Whites can attract the likes of Samu Saiz and Pierre-Michel Lasogga, there are a host of misses in there too. At times this season, Leeds have maybe lacked a little bit of a know-how in the Championship, with Cardiff City showing this season that some veteran Championship performers sprinkled into a side can prove successful.
2. Give Heckingbottom who he wants
If Leeds are serious about handing Heckingbottom the reins for the long term, then he needs to be backed accordingly. Victor Orta took the lead on a host of signings last summer with little success, and Heckingbottom appears to have names in mind already. Links to the likes of Andy Yiadom, Joe Williams and Oliver McBurnie – three players he signed for Barnsley – suggests that Heckingbottom wants to work with players he knows and trusts, and Leeds must endeavour to get him those players.
3. Sign Lasogga – or find a quality replacement
Leeds swooped to land German striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga from Hamburg last summer, penning him to a season-long loan deal after the exit of Chris Wood to Burnley. Lasogga has hit 10 goals in 27 Championship games but is set to return to Hamburg, and Leeds must either pursue a permanent deal for the striker, or look to bring in a goalscorer from elsewhere – potentially Swansea ace McBurnie.
4. Offload some of Orta’s flops
Director of football Victor Orta was trusted to make a number of signings last summer, but it’s fair to say the Whites didn’t get much for their investment. The likes of Mateusz Klich, Felix Wiedwald, Ouasim Bouy and Pawel Cibicki have either been disastrous signings or made little to no impact, whilst Caleb Ekuban has yet to score a league goal for the Whites. Offloading some of Orta’s flops would signal something of a sea change at Elland Road, and free up room and funds for new arrivals under Heckingbottom.
5. Find Pontus Jansson’s partner
Pontus Jansson hasn’t exactly enjoyed his best season in the heart of defence, but Leeds still haven’t found him a consistent partner. Kyle Bartley headed back to Swansea at the end of last season, with Liam Cooper and Matthew Pennington featuring this term, and neither have particularly impressed. A key for Leeds this summer will be to finally bring in a permanent partner for Jansson, and solidify what has at times been a shaky Leeds back line.
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