‘We’re told’ – Phil Hay delivers deadline-day transfer update with Leeds in hunt for £25m ace
Athletic journalist Phil Hay has said that Leeds United “are aware they need another midfielder” but unless anything dramatic changes today, “a further addition is not expected.”
Hay also said that despite strong links with Norwich’s £25m-rated Todd Cantwell, “we’re told that much of the speculation… is being driven by his agent.”
Victor Orta confirmed this week that Leeds had been looking at Cantwell but it appears that interest isn’t as strong as has been reported – certainly as far as this window goes.
The domestic deadline for transfers is at 5pm on Friday but it looks like Leeds have completed all their incoming for the window.
Hay explained why Leeds wouldn’t be bringing anyone else in.
Writing in a fan Q&A on Friday morning Hay said, “The club are aware that they need another midfielder (which is why they lined up Michael Cuisance) but with the domestic window into its final day, a further addition is not expected.
“There are a couple of reasons for this. First, meeting Marcelo Bielsa’s requirements is difficult as only deals with EFL clubs can be done (even if Sibley and Cantwell are decent matches).
“Second, Leeds have already committed £100 million to this window and they were never going to splash out heavily unless they were 100 per cent sold on a particular target. As much as I see the scope for a No 8 or a No 10, maybe a bit of financial prudence makes sense.”
Very happy with the summer window
Cantwell and Sibley are the two names that have been talked about the most since the international transfer deadline passed.
However, Norwich are reportedly looking for £25m for Cantwell and that seems way too much.
Hay said that most of the Cantwell talk had been advanced by his agent so it’s unclear exactly how interested Leeds are anyway.
Irrespective, we’re more than happy with the business that Leeds have done in this window.
They’ve spent close to £100m so no one can accuse owner Andrea Radrizzani of not having ambition in the Premier League.
Leeds’ summer business
- Helder Costa Wolves (£16m)
- Illan Meslier Lorient (£5m)
- Jack Harrison Manchester City (Loan)
- Joe Gelhardt Wigan (£1m)
- Cody Drameh Fulham (£800,000)
- Charlie Allen Linfield (undisclosed)
- Sam Greenwood Arsenal (undisclosed)
- Rodrigo Valencia (£26m)
- Robin Koch Freiburg (£13m)
- Crysencio Summerville Feyenoord (£1.3m)
- Diego Llorente Real Sociedad (£18m)
- Raphinha Rennes (£17m)
But, if that’s it for incomings, Leeds fan who want some last-minute drama could get it with Barry Douglas homing in on a move to Blackburn.
Whether that’s on a loan or a permanent deal, it’s likely the last we see of the player who is in the last year of his contract at Elland Road.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa to axe attacker, 21y/o back in three key changes – Predicted Leeds XI v Wolves