The transfer window slammed shut last week and Leeds United will have to wait until January before adding to their squad once more. The Whites made nine signings in total over the course of the summer with Willy Gnonto arriving late on deadline day from FC Zurich to conclude the their business.
After six Premier League games, supporters have seen most of the club’s new signings in action and many have made strong first impressions. Here’s a look at how Leeds’ summer recruits have fared so far.
Brenden Aaronson
There’s no doubt about it, Aaronson has been one of United’s best this season, hitting the ground running in the Premier League following his switch from Red Bull Salzburg. His ability to work in tight spaces has brought Leeds fans to their feet and he’s been a constant threat in possession.
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His tenacity off the ball must be noted and his intense pressing game brought him rewards against Chelsea, as he stole the ball from Edouard Mendy and poked the ball into an empty net to open his account. It was also his desire to get to the back post that forced Rayan Ait-Nouri to direct the ball into his own net against Wolves.
He’s caught the eye so far and it seems there’s plenty more to come from the American international as the season progresses.
Early verdict: Excellent
Rasmus Kristensen
Kristensen followed in Aaronson’s footsteps over the summer, swapping Salzburg for West Yorkshire and he turned down Borussia Dortmund to do so. Despite an impressive pre-season campaign Down Under, the Denmark international has taken a little longer than others to acclimatise to life in the Premier League.
He has produced a number of solid performances at right-back, but he hasn’t always looked comfortable. With Luke Ayling returning to full fitness, his spot in the side is now in question and he’ll be under pressure to raise his game and keep the veteran at bay.
The best is yet to come from Kristensen, but if he can find form in a white shirt he has all the attributes needed to nail down the right-back spot.
Early verdict: Needs more time
Marc Roca
Roca struggled for game time at Bayern Munich, making just 15 league appearances in two seasons with German giants, but he already looks to be a key man in Jesse Marsch’s Leeds line-up. The midfielder has started all six Premier League games so far and he notched his first goal for the club on Saturday against Brentford.
He seems to be combining well with Tyler Adams in the middle of the park, with his passing ability, competitiveness and aggression shining through in his performances. He has struggled with the pace and tempo of English football at times, but that fitness will come as he continues to adapt.
Early verdict: Looks promising
Tyler Adams
Adams is another who has wasted no time in adhering himself to the Leeds support. His tenacity and dogged work rate in the middle of the park has gone down well and he seems tailor-made for Jesse Marsch’s system.
The American’s display against Chelsea won lots of admirers and he has performed consistently well since then, despite the Whites’ results dropping off. As mentioned above, his middle of the park partnership with Roca looks promising and although the season is still young, he looks more than at home at Elland Road.
Early verdict: Excellent
Darko Gyabi
Leeds spent £5m to bring Gyabi to West Yorkshire from Man City and the youngster is still waiting to make his Premier League debut. However, he’s been involved regularly with the club’s under-21s and he has showcased his immense talent in every performance.
The midfielder oozes class on the ball and Marsch will be watching him closely as he continues to develop and mature. Gyabi bagged his first goal for the Whites last Monday, too, during the youth side’s 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest at Thorp Arch.
Early verdict: One to watch
Luis Sinisterra
The Colombian arrived from Feyenoord at the start of July, but the hamstring injury he picked up whilst representing the Whites Down Under ensured he missed the start of the Premier League season. Brief appearances off the bench came against Southampton and Chelsea, but he managed to announce himself to supporters in the Carabao Cup clash with Barnsley, bagging his first goal for the club and winning a penalty, too.
He’s managed to cap both his Premier League starts with goals, too, to nail down his spot in the side under Marsch and give supporters a glimpse of what’s to come from him moving forward. Given the winger was recruited as Raphinha’s replacement, big things are expected of him and he has already given supporters confidence that he can fill the Brazilian’s shoes.
Early verdict: Looks promising
Sonny Perkins
Perkins made the move from West Ham to Leeds to chase a first-team spot and he’s done his chances of progressing into the senior ranks no harm at all with his performances under Michael Skubala in the U21s. The forward has found the back of the net in every Premier League 2 appearance he has made this season, with five goals coming in four games.
He’s looked a real threat coming in off the right and he’s played a huge role in the club’s unbeaten start to the season.
Early verdict: One to watch
Joel Robles
Leeds recognised the need to add to their goalkeeping ranks this summer and they managed to add the experience of Robles to their ranks on a free transfer. The 32-year-old is still waiting to make his debut for the Whites, but he’ll be working closely with Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson moving forward.
Early verdict: Not played
Willy Gnonto
The 18-year-old’s signing was announced shortly after the deadline passed last week, with Gnonto making the move from Zurich to Leeds on very short notice. He’s been playing regularly for the Swiss club and he already has four caps for Italy to his name.
However, it remains to be seen what role he will play for the Whites over the coming weeks and months. He isn’t expected to step straight into the starting line-up, but at the same time, given his experience, it seems unlikely that he will settle for a spot in the U21s side.
Fans can probably expect to see Gnonto named on the bench next Monday night as the first-team take on Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
Early verdict: Not played
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