Silence on the transfer front has been masked by Leeds United’s protracted takeover and manager search. The appointment of Nick Hammond as interim football advisor a fraction over three weeks ago also bought them some time.
The void created by Victor Orta’s departure left Angus Kinnear picking up the transfer pieces as United’s relegation was sealed at the end of May. In the two-and-a-half weeks between the drop and Hammond’s appointment, anxiety was already growing about inactivity and disorganisation in a critical transfer window for Leeds.
With no clarity on the future direction of the boardroom, the dugout or Orta’s successor, it was natural to assume Leeds were missing out on deals and opportunities. There was only so much Kinnear could do as the man keeping the club afloat between administrations.
Hammond’s appointment at least put another pair of hands on the tiller, someone who could quickly come in and start taking those calls bombarding Kinnear’s phone. A transfer specialist with a very recent track record of success on short-term deals after parachuting in.
READ MORE: Leeds United confirm left-back signature on new one-year deal at Elland Road
It was a decision which allowed Hammond to start putting ducks in a row ahead of the expected resolutions in the takeover and manager stakes. Leeds fans could see there was now someone formulating a strategy and executing it before the club began to fall behind.
We are about to see that work come to fruition, or at least the opening salvo. Hammond’s had more than three weeks to streamline shortlists, lodge calls, sound out interest and now Daniel Farke’s in the building calling for quick decisions.
The German has already spoken of Hammond’s importance and the productive talks they have already had on what he needs before September 1. The time has come for Hammond to show what he’s about and flex United’s muscles in the transfer market.
49ers Enterprises have laid out an aggressive budget for the Championship next season, with the kind of outlay which should make the team very competitive, at least on paper. With Illan Meslier expected to depart and Joel Robles yet to take up United’s pre-season invite, goalkeepers are being watched very closely as a priority.
The departures of Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, as well as the Nat Phillips enquiry, show an interest in right-sided centre-backs too. Junior Firpo’s unlikely to be a Leeds player by September 2, which would leave the club with no senior, natural left-backs.
Centre-backs can do a job there, but Leeds have been here before and it never ends well. Adam Forshaw’s unsigned contract offer, Marc Roca’s impending Real Betis escape and Tyler Adams’s expected wealth of interest leaves central midfield looking fragile.
Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville all look vulnerable to head-turning offers this summer. Daniel James and Georginio Rutter are committed to staying and will bulk up the wide ranks, but exits could drive purchases there.
Rodrigo will almost certainly need replacing at the tip of Farke’s attack and Patrick Bamford’s situation needs monitoring too. There are few, natural, attacking central midfielders for Farke’s 4-2-3-1 in this squad. The manager will either get creative with what he has or send Hammond shopping.
Can Hammond, with the charisma, standing and vision of Farke now backing him up in negotiations, start to mould this Leeds squad into the shape it needs by September 2? We are about to find out.
