Leeds United made a number of signings during the summer transfer window and have made a bright start to the Championship season.
Leeds were undoubtedly one of the busiest clubs in the Championship during the summer transfer window, signing 15 players who have already featured in the first-team, either in the league or in the League Cup.
But how have Leeds’ new signings settled in at Elland Road? HITC Sport is grading all 15 of those players who have played for the first-team this season…
Pontus Jansson
Pontus Jansson’s permanent deal went through during the summer so he is technically one of the 15 signings. The maverick centre-back was suspended for the first league game, but then began the season by helping the side keep six consecutive clean sheets. No one doubts that he is a key player for Leeds, but three successive defeats heading into the break have taken some of the shine off the defence’s start to the season.
Grade: B
Hadi Sacko
Hadi Sacko also returned on a permanent basis after last season’s loan. A great performance against Burnley in the League Cup was a high point, but there has been little else to be positive about for the winger, who has struggled for game-time.
Grade: D
Madger Gomes
Madger Gomes was signed from Liverpool and has just two League Cup appearances under his belt so far, so it is difficult to judge how good a signing he will actually prove to be.
Grade: C
Mateusz Klich
Like Sacko, the Poland international’s bright point to date came at Turf Moor. He was excellent against the Clarets, but has not stamped his authority on a place in the side just yet.
Grade: C+
Felix Wiedwald
Felix Wiedwald was always facing a tough task having taken Rob Green’s role in the team. Unfortunately, the German – who did keep six clean sheets of course – has provided little indication that he will be able to fill the void Green has left, and his recent performances have been extremely disappointing.
Grade: D
Vurnon Anita
Vurnon Anita has done well since arriving from Newcastle on a free in the summer. His versatility will surely be extremely beneficial as the season goes on, and he has generally done well at left-back so far.
Grade: B+
Caleb Ekuban
Injury has prevented Caleb Ekuban making more than two appearances so far this season. He did score against Port Vale and looked bright against Sunderland, so the signs are certainly positive.
Grade: B-
Samuel Saiz
Samuel Saiz has looked fantastic since arriving in the summer. A hat-trick on his debut has been followed by three goals since and he frequently looks like Leeds’ most dangerous player.
Grade: A
Gjanni Alioski
Though Gjanni Alioski has struggled in the last couple of games, he has also made an extremely bright start to life at Elland Road. The winger always looks lively and his effort can rarely be questioned. If he gets up to speed, he could be the kind of player that sees Leeds across the line if they go the distance in the promotion race.
Grade: B
Jay-Roy Grot
Few Championship defenders will like coming up against Jay-Roy Grot. His stature allows him to stand out, but he is yet to really impress, but that could change once he settles in.
Grade: C-
Andy Lonergan
Andy Lonergan made the most of his one appearance, the League Cup victory over Burnley, saving the only missed penalty in the shootout. His signing looks like it could be a shrewd piece of business, and several fans would like to see him replace Wiedwald as Leeds’ number one.
Grade: B-
Pawel Cibicki
Like Lonergan, Pawel Cibicki’s one appearance came against Burnley. He did not stand out against Sean Dyche’s side, but clearly boasts plenty of potential.
Grade: C
Matthew Pennington
Matthew Pennington looked extremely bright on his Leeds debut before having to come off due to injury. He will need time to get back up to speed, but appears to have the talent to be a major asset.
Grade: B
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson
The most intriguing deal of the summer was perhaps Cameron Borthwick-Jackson’s loan arrival as he has made just one league appearance despite looking bright in that game. He has played in three League Cup games but was poor against Burnley.
Grade: C+
Pierre-Michel Lasogga
The final signing to grade is Pierre-Michel Lasogga. He scored twice on his debut and one against Ipswich despite the fact that his child had been born the day before the Tractor Boys visited. He has taken little time to establish himself as Leeds’ best striker.
Grade: B+
How would you grade Leeds’ summer signings?
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