Deadline day deal shows just how good Marcelo Bielsa was as Leeds manager
Leeds United had a very underwhelming transfer deadline day, but a deal elsewhere has done wonders for the reputation of former boss Marcelo Bielsa.
The Whites didn’t manage a single addition on the final day of the winter window, meaning that they made only one senior signing across the whole month.
Facundo Buonanotte joined on loan from Brighton until the end of the season, as Daniel Farke was able to strengthen his attacking ranks.
The German will now have to get the best out of his current squad as Leeds aim to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Former Leeds player joins League One club
Back in January 2018, Leeds signed Tyler Roberts from West Brom for a reported fee of £4million.
The Welshman didn’t make his debut until the following season due to injury, but made 28 Championship appearances for the Whites as they were beaten in the play-off semi-final by Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
Roberts helped Bielsa’s side win promotion to the Premier League the following year, and made 50 top-flight appearances for Leeds across two campaigns before joining QPR on loan, and eventually making a permanent move to Birmingham City.
Since joining Birmingham, the attacking midfielder has struggled to settle, and he has now completed a switch to Mansfield Town.
Roberts spent the first half of this season on loan at Mansfield, but has now finalised a permanent move to the Stags after leaving Birmingham.
Tyler Roberts fall-off highlights Marcelo Bielsa brilliance
Just four years ago, Roberts was playing Premier League football for Leeds under Bielsa.
In the 2020-21 campaign, the Whites’ first season back in the top-flight, the Argentine boss guided them to a superb ninth-place finish, just three points off a European spot.
The former Leeds manager was able to haul the West Yorkshire outfit into the top half of the Premier League, despite having to utilise Roberts in midfield.
Roberts started 14 league games that year, making 27 appearances in total, and his rapid descent to League One highlights Bielsa’s tactical ability.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.