Leeds United Have Work To Be Done Before Window Closes

Leeds will be home from Australia to complete the final preparations before the Premier League campaign and after playing the last game of their preseason tour against Crystal Palace on the 22nd of July. The Lilywhites begin their 2021/22 campaign on August 6th against the Wolves.

The squad has changed over the last few months, but can the club survive the beginning of the season without adding some final pieces?

Jesse Marsch has had the opportunity to bring in players with experience in his style of play but losing the likes of Raphinha and Phillips will leave holes on the pitch. The squad was always thin under Marcelo Bielsa by design. The current group is deeper at midfield, but lacks depth at striker and left back.

Charles De Ketelaere gives Leeds United a cold shoulder

Leeds have been chasing Charles De Ketelaere all summer with a lack of mutual interest. Like many brave people in the dating world, Leeds has been persistent and will not give up.

Currently, De Ketelaere prefers a transfer to AC Milan, but AC Milan has yet to pony up to the Brugge demands. Unlike AC Milan, Leeds have an agreement in place with Brugge and just need to convince the player.

At some point, they will need to turn their attention to another target and get someone into the squad before the window closes.

De Ketelaere would be an unbelievable move for the club, but as seen last year, injuries can come quickly and often in the grueling Premier League. The quality of bodies behind an already tender Patrick Bamford are thin.

Up and coming forward, Joe Gelhardt, has shown flashes of brilliance as a substitute. The club will need to be firing at all cylinders to start the campaign to prevent the cloud of a relegation threat once again.

Newcomer last season, Junior Firpo, had a rough introduction to the Elland Road faithful. Although he did not produce as expected, Marsch seems keen on keeping him as the starting left-back. With no experience behind Firpo, this will be a questionable move.

Firpo suffered an injury that will keep him sidelined for the start of the season. Leo Hjelde was able to put some strong performances in last term, but it will be difficult to see him sustain that level of play for an extended period.

The transfer window has been a huge success thus far, but without protecting the depth in these weak areas, it will all be for nothing.