Chris Sutton speculates Stuart Webber arrival at Leeds United alongside Daniel Farke
Chris Sutton claims that the potential appointment of Stuart Webber as Leeds United’s new sporting director may spell excitement for the Whites as they edge closer to the appointment of manager Daniel Farke.
In the Irish Daily Mail (30 June, page 52), the pundit said the potential appointment is intriguing considering Webber’s previous relationship with likely-manager Farke and their knowledge of the Championship.
Webber, the former sporting director of Norwich who was with the Canaries during Farke’s tenure, has been linked with a return to Leeds [Phil Hay] and potential reunion with Farke, which Sutton claims could lead to exciting times at Elland Road next season.
Sutton wrote: “Farke’s potential arrival is all the more intriguing given how Stuart Webber, Norwich’s former sporting director, is being linked with Leeds.
“Farke and Webber know the Championship. They know what it takes to get out of there.”
Replicating the Canaries
During Webber’s time at Norwich, he oversaw the recruitment of some of the Canaries best recent players including prolific goalscorer Temu Pukki and Emi Buendia, with the 39-year-old hoping to replicate that success should his Leeds appointment materialise.
Sutton is right to be intrguged. Leeds will certainly look to emulate such success, and given the previous working relationship between Webber and Farke, Leeds fans could see some excellent recruits come through the door.
As a club however, Leeds are in something of a limbo state. Their takeover is yet to be officially annouced, which in turn has delayed the announcement of Farke himself [The Athletic]. Meanwhile Webber’s appointment is also not confirmed, so it may be a bit frustrating for Leeds fans in the meantime.
Relegation will also cost the Whites many of their key players. Robin Koch looks set to join the Bundesliga [kicker], while star Spaniard Rodrigo is reportedly swapping Leeds for qatari side Al-Rayyan.
So shrewd and cost-effective recruitment will be needed, and Webber and Farke have a history of such behaviour.
Buendia was bought by Norwich from Getafe for reportedly just under £1.3million [Transfermarkt]. The Argentine was then sold to Aston Villa for up to £38million [The Athletic], making Norwich a tidy profit.
If Webber can identify talent akin to Buendia, have Farke improve them in the second division and grow their value for potential resale, Leeds may see their Premier League experiance last longer than three seasons.
In other Leeds United news, World Cup winner looks set to miss out at Elland Road amid Ligue 1 interest.