Leeds wanted summer signing so bad they didn’t bother to draw up Plan B if deal broke down
Daniel Farke was given plenty of funds to build a Leeds team that can thrive in the Premier League, and the early signs suggest he’s spent well.
Leeds look very strong defensively this season, thanks in part to the additions of Lucas Perri, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Meanwhile, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have dominated midfield battles, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his first Leeds goal last weekend with a fantastic header.
Farke’s side currently sit 12th in the Premier League with seven points from their first five games, with Wayne Rooney among the pundits to have backtracked on their predictions for Leeds to be relegated.
Leeds expert Graham Smyth names Gabriel Gudmundsson as his favourite Leeds signing
It could be difficult to name this summer’s most impactful signing for Leeds, as there are several names to choose from.
Stach has been among the most effective playmakers in the Premier League, while many pundits are excited about Calvert-Lewin’s return to form.
However, Graham Smyth looked outside of this pair in a discussion on this topic.
Smyth, who covers Leeds United for the Yorkshire Evening Post, has hinted that Gudmundsson may be his favourite signing of the season.
During the latest episode of his Inside Elland Road podcast, he said: “They were so keen on him that you have your priority lists of who you would like. At left-back, they had almost a list of one.
“The priority list was one man who they felt in all of Europe who they felt could do what they wanted to do and it was Gabi Gudmundsson. And I think we’re already seeing why because he looks after business in his own half.
“What I really really enjoy about Gabi Gudmundsson is when he gets the ball 25-30 yards from his own goal – little body swerve, slaloming inside, wins a free-kick or takes Leeds out of pressure. It’s a really nice feature of his game, and the interplay with Stach and Okafor has looked good on that left side.”
“We’re only five games in, so we’re not handing out any player of the season awards yet, but if he can continue in this form then Leeds have themselves a Premier League left-back.”
Leeds have enjoyed a bright start, but concerns remain about their strength in depth
Leeds have started the season well, and there’s a lot of excitement surrounding the performances of Gudmundsson, Stach and Calvert-Lewin in particular.
However, it remains to be seen when these top stars aren’t available.
- It’s well known that Calvert-Lewin doesn’t have the best fitness record. Do Leeds have a striker who can shine when he isn’t unavailable?
- What happens to the Leeds midfield if Stach or Longstaff aren’t there?
- Can Leeds defend as well without the likes of Bogle or Gudmundsson in the team?
These questions haven’t been answered yet. Injuries and suspensions will inevitably take their toll as the season goes on, and it’s not clear how Leeds will cope.
Leeds have two home games against Bournemouth and Tottenham before the October international break. Farke will be hoping that his team can get some more points on the board while he still has a reasonably fit squad.
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