Leeds United icon Tony Dorigo has reflected on the club’s business in the January transfer window, and questioned whether the risks taken can secure the desired rewards.
Dorigo feels the January window was ‘one of the most critical’ periods in recent club history, with the Whites in the midst of a second promotion challenge under Marcelo Bielsa.
But Director of Football Victor Orta was not able to go all-out in the winter market to boost the talents at the Argentine’s disposal, and Dorigo is adamant the club chief deserves credit for the work carried out under tight Financial Fair Play constraints.
“This January transfer window is one of the most critical windows in the history of Leeds United,” Dorigo noted in his column for the City Dweller Magazine, as shared through his personal Instagram account.
“Working within the constraints of FFP rules, Leeds United’s Director of Football Victor Orta has had one heck of a challenge.
“Only time will tell, the club has rolled the dice and no doubt we are in for one heck of a ride!”
Did Bielsa need any other signings in January?
Yes
No
Leeds entered the mid-season market atop the Championship table but only on goal difference to West Bromwich Albion, as Bielsa’s stellar defensive record was proving enough to subside a weaker offence.
United had conceded just 20 goals over the 25 games played whilst the Baggies had let in 27, though Slaven Bilic’s men were scoring more freely with 47 to our 42.
But Bielsa did not acquire another forward until the final days of the window having lost Eddie Nketiah after Arsenal recalled the England U21 international, with Jean-Kevin Augustin joining on loan from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
The club also concluded a deal for Manchester City prospect Ian Poveda to join in a free transfer and welcomed 18-year-old Elia Caprile to West Yorkshire from Serie A outfit Chievo Verona.
Now with the trio in West Yorkshire, we find ourselves second to West Brom by a point having won just one of our five league games played in 2020, while conceding seven goals to the four scored.
Neither of the trio are yet to make a senior appearance since their moves, either, with Augustin and Caprile yet to make a matchday squad, while Poveda was an unused substitute against Millwall and Wigan.
Like Dorigo says, only time will tell if the club’s January plans were a risk that will reap rewards or result in another failed promotion challenge.
In other Leeds United news, fans have been urging Bielsa to axe a one-time international when we face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.