For some Leeds United fans, transfer windows should be treated like houses on soon-to-be demolished estates in that they should be windows that are firmly nailed shut.
These are fans that have seen themselves trolled by the club’s own Twitter page. These are fans that have seen a procession of Serie C/B nobodies paraded as signings. These are fans that have seen deals fall apart to nothing at literally the 11th hour.
In that respect, it’s safer for Whites fans that such windows are avoided. Yet, after last season stretching resources to threadbare, and exploiting weaknesses in the line-up. these fans were hoping that they’d see a number of signings made to push stronger for the Premier League in their centenary year.
Not so. Well, that’s what it looks like.
Phil Hay, writing in the Yorkshire Evening Post, quotes Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani as saying there’s the likelihood of a “difficult” transfer window ahead. Whites fans are already used to ‘difficult’ windows, what could be any different?
Quoting a speech that Radrizzani gave to the FT Business in Football Summit, Hay writes that the Whites owner’s take on it was: “We’ll have to run a difficult summer in terms of the transfer market but we have a great academy.”
That admission that Leeds intend to do things that way, almost smacks of doing it on the cheap. After going so close last season, fans were hoping for some level of marquee purchase or at least a seasoned pro or two in key positions.
Instead, they are likely to get kids. Yes, the academy set-up at Elland Road is good, but is it Premier League promotion good? It was bound to be an admission that got Leeds United fans talking and commenting on social media. That was definitely the case; here’s what some of them had to say.
Radrizzani warns of transfer difficulties ahead – Leeds fans respond
As good as the owners done for us it was obvious in January he hasn’t got the cash to take us to the next level/premiership due to the James transfer & imo that cost us promotion
So what are we expecting next season with the same squad minus Janson/Philips or both?
A miracle— Mr Kuntz (@MrKuntz2) May 22, 2019
Securing Bielsa for another season (including his backroom team) costs, but worth every penny. Get it too that we will see more Academy players ( it looks positive there). But Orta has to do much, much better in terms of loanees. Harrison the only one that really played a part.
— Stephen Lewis (@vegansmithsfan) May 22, 2019
Leeds have so many players they need to get rid of to free up wages; Anita, Saiz, Cibicki, Grot, Buoy, Sacko, Ideguchi, O’Kane, maybe more. That’s the key to a successful transfer window.
— Mat Thomas (@EmptyUK) May 22, 2019
Free spending sounds great, but interesting to think Gayle Abraham and Wilson were all loanees and were probably acquired for less than it cost to sign Bamford! This is where the big improvement in recruitment needs to be, with one or two key experienced permanent signings.
— Paul Moran (@MD_Leeds) May 22, 2019
Big money isn’t needed for promotion. Clever business is key. Look at Sheff Utd and Norwich. Puki-free, Bamford- 7mill.
— Win Chief (@WThechief) May 22, 2019
Comes out with a statement like this when club are trying to sell more season tickets lol be a lot putting their money bk in the pockets 😬😬😬
— Kenny Brown (@kennybrown1964) May 22, 2019
Wonder what Bielsa thinks of this? I understand the club can’t be irresponsible with spending but we fell short due to lack of quality and will do again if we can’t bring in the players we need to get us over the line. Would not be surprised one bit if Bielsa calls it a day now.
— Rob (@mightywhitesfc) May 22, 2019
This final one might be an idea to get some cash into the club coffers.
Isn’t this @LUFC’s motto during the summer? I mean GOT had Winter is Coming. Maybe we should start selling shirts saying “Summer Will be Shit?!?!?” pic.twitter.com/jneSH4nhKC
— Jamie Hill (@vass07) May 22, 2019