It is difficult to regard Leeds United's 2022 summer transfer window as a success given how the campaign ended.
After only narrowly surviving on the final day 12 months ago, the hope was that Leeds could push forward and secure a more comfortable mid-table finish. That, however, proved not to be the case, with the Whites seeing their relegation confirmed on the final day of the season, after a meek defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road
Then-manager Jesse Marsch had a big say in the players brought in last summer, with Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra and Rasmus Kristensen all arriving as the club's main first-team signings. Adams aside, many of those players endured some struggles settling in, though the late addition of teenager Wilfried Gnonto was one of few bright spots in a bleak season.
Leeds also missed out on a number of high-profile targets, which had they arrived, could've potentially seen the Whites steer clear of the drop zone. So, with that in mind, here is a look at how four of them fared last season following their failed moves to West Yorkshire.
Charles De Ketelaere
The potential signing of Charles De Ketelaere from Club Brugge was seen as the icing on the cake by the hierarchy at 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 really struggled to make any sort of impact. De Ketelaere made 40 appearances across all competitions for Milan, but many of these were off the bench and he failed to score and would register just one assist.
De Ketelaere is currently part of the Belgium U21s side at the European U21 Championship, and at the age 22 will be hoping that his undoubted talent can eventually come good. Either way, Leeds will not be losing too much sleep over missing out on him 12 months ago.
Cody Gakpo
Another of Europe's top young talents Leeds missed out on was Cody 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.
It is hard to argue that Van Gaal's advice didn't pay off, with Gakpo enjoying a stunning first half of the season at PSV, which earned him a move to Liverpool. Though it took him a few weeks to settle at Anfield, but he went on to show why he was so highly sought after, with seven goals and three assists goals in 21 Premier League appearances, including two in Liverpool's 7-0 demolition of Manchester United.
Gakpo also enjoyed a pretty good World Cup for the Netherlands, netting three goals as they reached the quarter-finals. At just 24, he looks set to play a big part in Liverpool's rebuild.
Bamba Dieng
Leeds had a deal in place to sign Bamba 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 therefore remained at Marseille, where he had previously been frozen out.
After gradually being integrated back into the fold at Marseille, Dieng ended up getting his move away as he joined fellow Ligue 1 side Lorient in January. He would make 16 appearances and bag three goals for his new club before the end of the season.
Several Leeds fans view the collapse of this transfer as very much a blessing in disguise, as they instead secured a late deal for Gnonto, in what looks to be a bargain move.
Mo Camara
Red Bull Salzburg's Mo Camara was reportedly one of two options on Leeds' list to replace Manchester City-bound Kalvin Phillips in the summer. Despite the clamour from fans for Camara's signature, it was Tyler Adams who Leeds took the plunge on and few would argue that the American was a key player for Leeds. His injury in March played a huge part in the club's relegation.
Anyhow, Camara instead ended up making the switch to AS Monaco later in the window and has proved to be an impressive signing, having made 37 appearances in all competitions. The 23-year-old is a part of a Monaco side who finished the Ligue 1 season in sixth place, just outside the European spots.
