The transfer window is in full swing, rumours and players linked are in abundance. This summer is especially important to Leeds United and Jesse Marsch. It is a chance for him to have a real impact in the market, and to put his own stamp on the squad. The team he inherited from Marcelo Bielsa was not an ideal one for his style of play. They have had to adapt to a new system, and change the hectic but energetic man marking style used by Bielsa.
The new changes started to take shape at the end of the season, and it was clear to see what Marsch was trying to do with the squad and at times it looked good. The 1-0 defeat to Leicester was a particularly good performance despite the loss. Unfortunately games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea followed and it left Leeds needing to survive on the final day.
Marsch will have had a full pre season with his players, a tour of Australia and another two games in England to assess his squad and try to implement his system on his players. The 4-2-2-2 formation will take a lot of getting used to. Hunting in packs and playing through the middle is a far cry from the way they played under Bielsa, but the coach is now trying to bring in players to suit the way he has played throughout his managerial career.
This has led to the signings of Brendan Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca, who all look to be system based transfers. Of course with incomings also means some players leaving. Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips are both heading for the exits, and the money generated looks like it will be recycled back into the playing staff. This is where the club need to be wary, and make sure they are astute in the market.
Players are linked on a daily basis and key signings including Tyler Adams, Charles De Ketelaere, Cody Gakpo and Mo Camara have all been tipped to be on their way to Elland Road in recent weeks. Now clubs know Leeds have a possible war chest, including the £110 million from the Raphinha and Phillips sales, they dont want clubs to demand stupid money or inflated prices just because they have funds available. Leeds need to improve the squad, replace key players and whilst doing all that, they need to be clever in their business.
That sales of key players won’t fill fans with excitement, also knowing how business has been done in the past will also make them anxious. Rodrigo and Dan James were brought in for top dollar and both have not really set the league on fire. In the past they have sold top talent for measly sums, so the transfers of Phillips and Raphinha have at least generated decent figures. Although fans are divided on whether they are good deals or not.
It remains to be seen what Leeds will do in the market, but if the players rumoured to be targets actually sign for the club, it will be a decent window for incomings and the squad will look a lot healthier with the five substitute rule coming in to play this term. The squad was thin in most areas last campaign, key injuries hindered the performances and the board have now acknowledged this and moved quickly to tie up deals in plenty of time to get them indoctrinated into the Marsch system as smoothly as possible.
If Leeds are clever and they don’t get held to ransom, it could be a very good transfer window for The Whites.
With a new Dutchman or Belgian seemingly close to joining the club, take the quiz below to see how well you know Leeds United’s past and present Dutch and Belgian players.
Recap: Chelsea agree Raphinha deal