De Ketelaere, Gakpo, Dieng - How the transfer targets…

De Ketelaere, Gakpo, Dieng - How the transfer targets Leeds United missed out on are faring

Based on the opening 14 matches, it would be fair to say that Leeds United's summer transfer window was overall, a successful one. The Whites brought in six new first-team players, as well as a number of talented youngsters in order to give the squad somewhat of a refresh.

Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Rasmus Kristensen have all proved to be solid pieces of business, particularly the first four who very much hit the ground running. Darko Gyabi, Sonny Perkins and Wilfried Gnonto are the three younger players to arrive, all of whom have already made their full debuts, with the latter already making an impact in league matches.

That said, the summer could've also been even more productive for Leeds after missing out on a number of high-profile targets. So, with the World Cup break now upon us, here is a look at how four of them have started the season following their failed moves to West Yorkshire.

Charles De Ketelaere

The potential signing of De Ketelaere was seen as the icing on the cake for Leeds after securing all their other main targets early. Leeds spent weeks and weeks on this transfer, but in the end to no avail as he remained patient in holding out for a move to AC Milan.

But despite the excitement surrounding his signing at the San Siro, the Belgian has so far failed to live up to the hype. Across 18 matches in all competitions, he is yet to score and has provided just one assist, meaning in recent weeks he has dropped out of the first-choice XI.

Even with all that said, there is no doubt De Ketelaere would've been a quality addition for Leeds and his attributes are arguably something that's missing in Jesse Marsch's side so far.

Cody Gakpo

Another of Europe's top young talents Leeds missed out on was PSV winger Gakpo. Leeds were close to signing him on deadline day but he instead opted to remain in the Netherlands, reportedly after the advice of national team manager Louis van Gaal.

Gakpo has since gone from strength to strength this season and has put up some of the best numbers in Europe in front of goal. He has 13 goals and 17 assists in all competitions and is expected to play a big role for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

Reports had indicated that Leeds were going to renew their interest in January but given his form, it appears as though he is set for bigger and better things.

Bamba Dieng

Leeds had a deal in place to sign Dieng from Marseille on deadline day but last-minute interest from Nice prompted a late change of heart. That said, Dieng ended up failing a medical anyway and ended up staying at Marseille, where he was originally frozen out.

He has played six games in Ligue 1 since his reintegration into the side, though only one of those has come from the start - equating to just 139 minutes of football. Dieng has scored one goal in that period, but is still set to represent Senegal at the World Cup this month.

Mo Camara

Camara was reportedly one of two options on Leeds' list to replace Manchester City-bound Kalvin Phillips in the summer. Despite the clamour for Camara's signature, it was Adams who Leeds took the plunge on and it's fair to say that has not turned out too badly; he has arguably been the Whites' player of the season so far.

Anyhow, Camara ended up making the switch to AS Monaco later in the window and he has proved to be an impressive signing with 17 appearances in all competitions. They currently sit sixth in Ligue 1 and progressed to the knockout stages of the Europa League.

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