Leeds United’s busy summer of incomings was not without its disappointments. Victor Orta and co pursued a number of targets that either decided to go elsewhere or fell through for different reasons.
The Whites most notably failed to bring in a new first team number nine, despite their interest in signing one. So with that in mind, here is a look at eight reported targets whose moves to Leeds never materialised; looking at where they went and how they have fared this season.
Charles De Ketelaere
The big one that got away in the window was Charles De Ketelaere. Leeds fought hard alongside AC Milan for his signature, but it was the latter who he opted to join.
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It has been a relatively slow start for him so far at the San Siro in terms of goal contributions, as he has provided just one assist. His performances appear to be getting better by the week, though.
Cody Gakpo
Cody Gakpo is the other real big name who Leeds tried and failed to sign. A deal was very much on the cards on deadline day, but he opted to stay at PSV.
He has started the season in superb form with seven goals and three assists in six Eredivisie matches. Leeds are reportedly keen to return for him in January, but if he carries on at this rate, he won’t be short of suitors.
Bamba Dieng
Leeds thought they had a deal wrapped up for Bamba Dieng until he opted against boarding the flight to England in favour of Nice. Unfortunately for Dieng, he failed his medical at Nice and stayed at Marseille.
Dieng is now slowly being introduced back into the fold at Marseille, but is yet to make an appearance this season.
Mo Camara
Mo Camara was one of the names on the list to replace Kalvin Phillips after his Man City move. Leeds instead opted to move for Tyler Adams, who has made a great start to life at Elland Road.
Camara was very keen to secure a move away from RB Salzburg in the summer, though, and was eventually snapped up by AS Monaco. The 22-year-old has already established himself as a key player in the French side’s midfield.
Valentin Castellanos
Valentin Castellanos was one of the strikers linked with Leeds during the early days of the summer. Interest was never really firmed up from the Whites, though, and he ended up joining Girona.
Castellanos has netted one goal in his five appearances in La Liga so far for the newly promoted side.
Romeo Lavia
One of the several Man City players linked with Leeds around the time of Phillips’ move across the Pennines. Leeds instead brought in Darko Gyabi from the Premier League champions, who has looked impressive in the U21s.
Romeo Lavia ended up making the switch to Southampton in the summer for around £12 million and already very much appears at home in the Premier League. So much so that Chelsea reportedly made a £50 million bid for Lavia on deadline day after only four games at the Saints.
James McAtee
Another City youngster on Leeds’ radar in the summer was James McAtee. Leeds were thought to be keen on doing a permanent deal for McAtee, but City preferred a loan.
The 19-year-old ended up making the season-long-loan switch to Sheffield United in the Championship. He has so far found it tough to make the step up to senior football.
Takumi Minamino
Another early window link who ended up elsewhere was Takumi Minamino. Minamino was allowed to leave Liverpool in the summer with Leeds among a host of clubs reportedly interested, but he ended up at Monaco.
The Japan international has struggled in Ligue 1 so far, having only started two of their seven league matches. He has also been an unused substitute on three occasions.
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