Leeds United narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley. The aim now for Daniel Farke and his squad is to regroup and push for promotion next season.
However, Leeds will have to do so without two of their key players from last season. Archie Gray has already departed for Tottenham Hotspur, while Crysensio Summerville appears to be on the verge of a move to West Ham United.
To address these departures, Leeds have made some new signings. Joe Rodon has joined on a permanent deal from Spurs, and Jayden Bogle has arrived from Sheffield United.
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Despite these additions, Leeds will need to further bolster their squad, especially to replace the output of Championship Player of the Year, Summerville, if they are to earn promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds Transfer News
According to Turkish outlet Haber Ekspres, Leeds have reportedly tabled an offer worth around €3m (£2.3m) for Fenerbahce winger Ryan Kent. The report states that talks are ongoing between the two clubs as Leeds look to finalize the deal.
Kent is not in the plans of Fenerbahce’s new manager, José Mourinho, which gives Leeds hope of securing the 27-year-old Englishman’s services.
Last season, Kent made 18 appearances for the Super Lig outfit in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 736 minutes of football. Leeds will be hoping he can recapture his form from his time at Rangers, where he scored 33 goals and provided 56 assists in 218 games.
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Kent and Rutter Partnership
One key attacker Leeds are expected to retain this summer is forward Georginio Rutter. The 22-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and providing 16 assists in 4,210 minutes.
Signing Kent would aim to replace Summerville’s output and enhance the performance of other forwards, with Rutter set to be the star man in attack, depending on the future of Wilfried Gnonto.
| Kent vs Rutter comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats (per 90 mins) | Kent | Rutter |
| Non-Penalty Goals | 0.00 | 0.14 |
| Shots Total | 1.13 | 2.94 |
| Assists | 0.19 | 0.39 |
| Shot-Creating Actions | 3.01 | 4.41 |
| Progressive Carries | 4.32 | 2.89 |
| Successful Take-Ons | 2.07 | 3.06 |
| Progressive Passes Received | 9.58 | 6.50 |
| Stats taken from FBref | ||
Kent is coming off a poor season, with no goals, lower shot volume, and lower creative numbers such as shot-creating actions. However, at such a cheap fee, Leeds would be betting on Kent recapturing his old form.
Once described as “unplayable” by Sky Sports’ Andrew Dickson, Kent at his best can dominate a game, take on players, provide for others like Rutter, create chances, and score goals.
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Even in a challenging season for Fenerbahce, Kent has shown his ability to carry the ball, averaging 4.32 progressive carries and 2.07 successful take-ons per 90 minutes. His confidence to beat his man and make things happen on the ball remains evident.
Could the one-time Liverpool man be Leeds’ answer to replacing Summerville on the cheap and improving their squad in their attempts to return to the Premier League? Only time will tell, but his addition could provide the spark Leeds need to achieve their promotion ambitions.
