The late appointment of a new manager means Leeds United are playing catch-up in the transfer market.
According to a report from Spanish publication Sport Huesca, Leeds United are prepared to pay just over £3million to secure the signing of Samu Saiz this summer, and with the Whites’ offer beating those of the 26-year-old’s other suitors, could Thomas Christiansen’s belated appointment actually ensure they secure signings they may otherwise have missed out on?
Following the shock resignation of Garry Monk at the end of last season, the longer Leeds went without a manager the more their fans worried about summer targets slipping through their grasp.
The concern was that when Christiansen belatedly arrived, he would be playing catch-up for his preferred summer targets. Instead he has already secured Mateusz Klich and looks set to beat the competition to Saiz.
It may take more money than Leeds have previously envisaged, but by going in hard and fast the Whites can ensure they get straight to the player negotiation phase and have the right additions in place as early in the summer as possible.
New Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani can make a big statement this summer, proving the early doubters wrong that he is simply Massimo Cellino Mk II, and putting his hand in his pocket rather than trying to negotiate a few hundred thousand of an asking price is a big step in the right direction.
It remains to be seen if Leeds can get a deal for the impressive Saiz over the line, but making a big bid from the outset is not a bad start and suggests those early concerns about being at a disadvantage were unfounded.
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