Leeds’ squad overhaul continues

Leeds United continue to clean house as their squad is whittled down to Beilsa’s ‘main group’.

The club have seen no less than 13 players depart the club over the summer months with the last two being Laurens DeBock and Yosuke Ideguchi.

One familiar discussion has been the transition of the team from last summers acquisitions, with a large amount being cleared out from the club. The two recent departures falling perfectly into that category.

Leeds have focussed on true quality this summer instead of the quantity of additions last summer. With the signings of Lewis Baker, Patrick Bamford and Barry Douglas; this current Leeds crop are bossing a 1st place spot in the Championship.

Ideguchi, who had a poor loan spell with Cultural Leonesa last season has joined German Second Division side Greuther Firth on a season long loan with a view to a permanent deal that could recoup the £500k fee Leeds paid for him back in January.

Whereas Laurens De Bock has temporarily signed for Belgian Superleague side KV Oostende for the season in hopes a good season could win him a place in the ‘favoured group’ come next season. A reality that does not seem likely worth the emergence of Tom Pearce and current star Barry Douglas.

The recent moves show that Director Victor Orta has learned from his mistakes in the transfer market but with Leeds still having these players on long deals at the club be a financial burden for years to come?

Hopefully, the club understands the importance of investing in the right type of players and under Bielsa’s guidance can find a happy medium between less cheap and more cheerful talents.

By Ryan Ingham