Leeds United have a history of struggling early in the transfer window and this summer has been a very slow start again, but there are important external factors worth considering. No Championship club is recruiting much, the season isn’t actually over and we have been working on an investment behind the scenes which has just completed.
Jerry Mbakogu was on the brink of joining the club but it was put on hold as Leeds turned their attention to prolific striker Abel Hernandez. The money coming in from the San Francisco 49ers deal is said to be just over the £10 million mark which the club are suggesting will all be pumped into summer transfers. The fact that the club turned their attention just a week before new investment landed at the doors of Elland Road speaks volumes for what that money will bring. £10 million isn’t always seen as much money, but if you add that to the Leeds budget set already it helps massively.
Kyle Bartley is the obvious one that the club are working on. The price for the player may be eased now that he has made it clear he wants the move to Leeds United. Photos of Kyle Bartley and Leeds defender Luke Ayling on holiday together hit social media yesterday and fans were delighted to see the pair back together. Great friends Ayling told the media he would “be in the ear” of Bartley during their two holidays this summer and it seems there is no need.
Angus Gunn is the other high-profile target that Leeds have shown interest in. The England and Manchester City goalkeeper had a great season at Norwich and was expected to head to the Premier League on loan but perhaps the idea of game time has meant that City are open to a bid to take the player on loan to Leeds. Gunn would probably push Baily Peacock-Farrell out of the team which seems a shame given the Northern Irish youngsters progress but progress is what it is and if Gunn is the better goalkeeper then so be it.