Leeds United have had a very entertaining January transfer window, with some quality additions. It made me think, was this the best January since Beckford scored that goal in the…..you know the rest.
Max Wober got the ball rolling when he arrived and quickly took to life in England, and indeed the Premier League. The former Red Bull Salzburg captain slotted into the side and looked like he had played across the backline for years. He is a fantastic organiser at the back and will no doubt help to stiffen up a leaky defence.
Georginio Rutter was next and after talks seemed to take an eternity, the French forward was finally unveiled as a Leeds striker, yes…a Leeds striker, you heard me correctly. Making his debut in a freezing FA Cup tie at Accrington Stanley, who are they? He took ten minutes to settle down and get in the game but from first impressions, he will be a top addition. His link-up play with Lord Patrick was superb.
Just as the Whites fans thought that would be it, rumours flew around of several new exciting players. The roulette wheel eventually stopped on Juventus and USA International, Weston McKennie. Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson’s buddy signed on loan for the remainder of the season with an obligation to buy and was easily the signing of the transfer window.
Jesse Marsch capped off a memorable window with the addition of 18-year-old Portuguese defender Diogo Monteiro who will join up with the U21s initially, but many believe it won’t be long until he is in the first team.
Diego Llorente, Joe Gelhardt, Leo Hjelde and Cody Drameh all left the club on loan for the season, possibly with buy options included in the deals. According to reports, Jack Harison was close to leaving on deadline day but was happy to stay and play a part in Jesse Marsch’s plans for the future.
All in all, it has been a fabulous window for the Whites and the fans will be hoping Marsch now has the correct tools to make the climb up the Premier League table.
Check out the bumper deadline day Vital Football podcast if you can keep your eyes open.