Leeds United running out of time after Facundo Buonanotte proves another transfer false dawn
As another day of the transfer window came and went, Leeds United supporters faced yet more disappointment without anything actually happening.
While their Championship rivals continue to strengthen, the Whites have failed to bring in any new faces and time is fast ticking down towards the 11pm deadline on 1 September.
Daniel Farke’s squad is crying out for a new number 10 and another forward – and that is not even accounting for the still-likely departures of Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra.
Leeds supporters would therefore have welcomed news late on Monday [21 August] that talented Brighton and Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte was supposedly on the verge of joining the club [Bruno Gonzalez Garcia].
However, those reports were soon shot down by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, who reported on Tuesday [22 August] that Leeds had yet to so much as make a move for the Brighton ace.
That was followed by reports that Genk forward Joseph Paintsil is now being targeted by the Whites [Sky Sports], who have also been linked with Swansea City striker Joel Piroe [Wales Online].
All three players – especially the latter – would seriously bolster Leeds’ attacking ranks. The big worry, however, is that no deals actually seem to be progressing.
United have done well to bring in the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Sam Byram, but they quite simply have to sign a player or two higher up the field before it is too late.
After all, had they had a player with real quality on the ball in the final third against West Brom, the 1-1 draw would almost certainly have ended in a routine victory.
Farke will continue working with what he has for now, but it would give the German and the Leeds fanbase as a whole a huge lift if an actual deal is finally confirmed.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are reportedly looking to get a player off their books permanently.