Leeds United will have to pay a “massive premium” for new transfers before the deadline as they are desperate for new signings, according to former Whites midfielder David Norris.
The former Whites midfielder says the clubs will look to Daniel Farke for what they can get for potential signings, with Georginio Rutter’s expected move to Brighton leaving the club with just 19 registered first-team players.
Despite receiving huge sums after swooping on their stars, Leeds are yet to spend big and have probed the loan market, with Bobby Clark the latest player they have apparently missed out on, with Liverpool reportedly selling to RB Salzburg instead [ BBC Sport, 14 August].
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Norris said: “There could be a stage where we get to the final days of the window and Leeds will be forced to pay a massive premium for players they turn out to desperately need.
“Bobby Clark is a sign of that – Liverpool wanted to sell, not loan, and they know Leeds need changes in midfield, so they played hard and now Leeds have missed out.
“It’s just going to drag on. If they’re not careful, they’re going to be held to ransom in the last few days of the window, it’s a tough situation.”
Leeds United in transfer trouble
Bobby Clark, Jonathan Rowe, Callum O’Hare – just a handful of names that Leeds have impressed and have so far failed to capture in this window.
The irritation at Elland Road isn’t just that significant cash from the sale isn’t being reinvested – fans are aware of the PSR books they’ve had to balance – but it’s the sheer lack of depth in the squad.
Only ill health allowed Farke to make eight changes to his starting line-up ahead of Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash with Middlesbrough – and if performance matters, his first-choice could end up burning out based on an unwillingness to play second string.
Farke has had to rely on youngsters with barely a smidgen of experience as fringe players in the squad, because when injuries start to crop up there will be some wear and tear in his selection.
That is, of course, unless the club bites the bullet and secures top targets for premium amounts, as that is the combination they have now received.
While they are collecting decently high fees for their departing talent, replacing them is a must, if not just now for most of the squad – 19 players and these inexperienced youngsters just isn’t nearly enough.