Leeds United were always going to be in for a tough ride this summer after failing to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
That certainly proved to be the case. Key players moved on with Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray all heading to the Premier League while State Rennais signed Glen Kamara.
The Whites took a while to get replacements through the door too. However, having struck deals for the likes of Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon (loan), Isaac Schmidt and Ao Tanaka, it ended up being a decent window at Elland Road.
However, there are some summer targets that Leeds United will be disappointed to have missed out on. Here, we highlight three…
Roland Sallai
One man Leeds United were heavily linked with in their hunt for a new winger was Hungarian international Roland Sallai. While deals for Ramazani and Solomon were struck, there’s no hiding that signing someone like Sallai would have been a real statement for the Whites to make.
The SC Freiburg man has vast experience at a high level in the Bundesliga and on the international stage with Hungary. However, despite persistent links and claims Sallai was keen on the move, a deal never came to fruition.
It will be hoped that the wingers who did come through the door can perform well after a Sallai deal never came off.
Gustavo Hamer
Like Sallai, a move for Hamer would have been a real statement signing. Judging by how Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder has spoken about the Whites’ offer for the midfielder though, they never really got close to striking a deal for the midfielder.
Hamer impressed in the Premier League last season for a struggling Blades side in what was his first campaign in the top-flight. As such, many expected him to move back there, indicating just how ambitious Leeds United were in eyeing him.
Ultimately, no move came to fruition for Hamer. He’s still on the books at Bramall Lane and could be a thorn in the side of Farke and co in the fight to win promotion back to the Premier League.
