Credit: Getty Images

Jack Dawson

Sun 6 July 2025 14:40, UK

Jesse Marsch’s reign at Leeds United is filled with controversy.

The American took over at Elland Road in 2022 but lasted less than a year at the Yorkshire club.

While he did guide Leeds to Premier League safety in his first season, the Peacocks’ poor form in the 2022/23 campaign eventually led to their relegation.

As a result, his time at the Yorkshire club is not looked back upon fondly. However, many wonder what would have happened if his key targets were brought in.

Juventus confirm signing of Jonathan David

It emerged last year that Marsch wanted to sign Taiwo Awoniyi at Leeds, who has gone to help Nottingham Forest qualify for Europe.

Now, another former target has gone on to have a successful career is Jonathan David.

Juventus have now confirmed the signing of the striker, who has arrived at the Old Lady on a free transfer after a successful few years at Lille.

During his time in France, the Canadian international netted 109 times in 232 matches and helped his side win the Ligue 1 title.

Now, Marsch, who manages David for the national team, has admitted to Gazzetta (6 July) that he tried to sign the striker while at Leeds.

He said: “David is a 9, but also a 9 and a half, a 10 or an outside striker. With us, in Canada, he plays as a second striker or as a ten with a nearby centre forward. And he still scores a lot of goals.

“When I was coaching Leeds, I wanted David with me in the Premier League. But now, coaching him in the national team, I realised that he is stronger than I imagined”.

Marsch also added why he is nicknamed the Iceman: “Observe him well in the area: he never loses his compass, he is calm and cold. And consequently, ruthless.

“Quality that he also demonstrated in the management of the year spent at the end of the contract: it is not for everyone to score 25 goals as he did and come to the Gold Cup leaving market thoughts off the field”.

Leeds need to learn from missing out on David

Leeds’ failure to sign David has no doubt been costly. The striker is now one of the best attackers in Europe and is likely to add more titles to his collection in the coming years.

If the Peacocks did sign the Canadian, he could have well been the difference maker between survival and relegation.

Now, Daniel Farke must learn from these mistakes and ensure a top striker is brought in this summer.

It is clear that Leeds want a new attacker in the transfer window, and the Yorkshire club cannot let history repeat itself and miss out on a quality player.

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