Leeds United: Are they ready for the new season?

How are Leeds United shaping up ahead of their return?

As the start of the new Premier League kicks-off, Leeds United are gearing up for what will be a gruelling, but, hopefully, competitive season. As the season opener looms large, Leeds fans will be hoping to see that some much needed improvements have been made to key areas of the squad and the club as a whole. We need to see evidence that the club has learnt important lessons from the last time we graced the top flight. We'll only get so many chances at this.

The decision-makers at Leeds United have clearly pin-pointed an area where Leeds must improve upon this time around - physicality. Watching Brenden Aaronson move around the pitch with all the substance of a crisp packet in the wind, is not going to strike fear into opposing teams. Players need to compete and not be bullied. The transfer business that has already been concluded reflects this need. The club has signed a lot of big players (in the literal sense), particularly at the bottom end of the pitch.

Security Between the Sticks

In goal, we have a much needed replacement for Illan Meslier, the Brazilian Lucas Perri. Meslier, bless him, can be a great shot-stopper on his day, but over the previous season, the mistakes have piled-up. Now, it just makes sense, for both parties, for him to move on. He also wasn't the most imposing figure. This made coming for crosses a weakness that was often targeted by opposing teams. Lucas Perri should not have this issue.

Signed from Lyon for around £15.6 million, Perri stands at 6'5 and weighs in at about 94kg, which already sets him apart from Meslier. A quality shot-stopper who, in his own words, likes to 'transmit a sense of trust, security, and calmness'. This is music to Leeds fans' ears, with everyone hoping he will offer a more commanding presence between the sticks. Also, the man can punch a ball the length of a football pitch, so that's obviously something we all want to see, right?

Big Defensive Additions

Next up, we have the defence, and more vertically gifted players. Centre-backs Jaka Bijol (6'3) and Sebastiaan Bornauw (6'3) have been joined by the comparatively small Gabriel Gudmundsson, who stands at a mere 5'11. These look like very sensible additions, and align with the boards vision for a more physically robust squad. Bijol, in particular, looks like a great piece of business: Agressive and composed, he comes very highly-rated from Serie A side Udinese, he is the player who will most likely come in and partner Joe Rodon at the heart of the defence.

Sebastiaan Bournauw arrived from Wolfsburg for a £5.1 million fee. He is strong in the air and will add some depth to the centre-back positions. However, his injury record is a concern, but he isn't likely to come in and be a regular starter. His low price tag and physical abilities mean that he could prove to be a shrewd signing.

At left-back, Gabriel Gudmundsson has joined from Lille for just over £10 million. A versatile and energetic full-back, who was mainstay in a Lille team who competed in the Champions League. He had an impressive season last year and Leeds fans will need him to show some of the defensive solidity, that he demonstrated against some of Europe's best, on a regular basis. Lets hope he's a significant upgrade on our last Scandinavian full-back.

Smart and Sensible in Midfield

In midfield the club has made, what look like, two very astute signings. Sean Longstaff has joined from Newcastle, for a very reasonable fee that is believed to be around £12 million. He's not the most glamorous signing but certainly looks like a very sensible and practical one. A product of the Newcastle youth system, he has made over 200 first team appearances for the club and has been involved in a lot of the big moments during Newcastle's recent Saudi-backed rise. His Premier League experience should be invaluable this season.

The other signing in midfield is Anton Stach from Hoffenheim. Stach is another who fits in with the current transfer policy. Measuring 6'4, Stach will add a robustness to the middle of the pitch that will be crucial if the team is going to compete, and not be bullied, against opposing teams. In terms of playing attributes, Stach covers ground well, scores highly when it comes to making successful passes and interceptions. Another player who could prove to be a bargain at £17 million.

Attacking Concern

This is where the transfer window has stalled for Leeds. Only two strikers have arrived, with wingers and a number 10 still very much on the 'must have' list. The forwards that the club has brought in, don't exactly allay the fans' fears surrounding this position. The first striker to join was Lukas Nmecha, who signed on pre-contract after leaving Wolfsburg. He is player who is already familiar with English football. He came through at Manchester City, before having loan spells at Preston and Middlesborough. He didn't exactly set the world alight at any of these clubs, but has a bit more form and consistency as his career has progressed. Lets be honest, though, he hasn't signed as the main man to lead the line for Leeds in the Premier League. Being strong and tall (6'1), he is here to give Daniel Farke options in attack.

The next striker through the door, and the latest signing, is Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This signing, arguably more than all the others, is the hardest to predict in terms of success. The big questions surrounding Calvert-Lewin is whether he can stay fit and whether he can rediscover his previous fine form. We've all seen what he can do, but what we don't know is if he is still capable of reaching those past heights. And it's a big if. He's signed as a free agent, so obviously no transfer fee, but he must be on a big wage. Only time will tell if this one works out. good to see he's already ingratiating himself amongst the fans, though.....

A Crucial Two Weeks

On the eve of the season opener, and with 2 weeks left in the transfer window, Leeds still needs to get some crucial signings over the line. In my opinion we still need four players, 3 in attacking positions, and one full-back. With Isaac Schmidt on his way out, the club is looking for a versatile replacement. James Justin fits the bill, with many online sources suggesting it will be a done deal before long.

As I suggested earlier in the article, I believe we still need a number 10 (which we've needed since Pablo left, so I won't hold my breath), a winger, and another striker. We've been linked with a variety of names that can fill these positions. Talks have been held with Bilal El Khannouss' camp, but there doesn't seem to be much progress beyond that. He's a player with a few admirers, notably Crystal Palace, so a deal could be difficult.

Since missing out on Igor Paixao to Marseille, links have been quite scarce. The obvious rumours have been swirling around Manor Solomon, especially now that it looks like spurs are trying to bring in wingers of their own. A known quantity at Leeds after last season's heroics, his last minute winner to seal the title will no doubt see him welcomed back with open arms. I just hope the fans drop that awful song if he does come back.

Another rumour to emerge over the last week has been Nico Gonzalez from Juventus. This would be an absolute statement signing, but again, I won't hold my breath. A player of his quality will obviously have many admirers and it seems like Atletico Madrid are one of them. No approach or formal talks have taken place as far as I'm aware so I won't get too hung up on how much of a possibility this is. One can always dream, though.

Lastly, up front we still need one more. Top target Rodrigo Muniz looks like he is slipping away. Leeds have been playing the long game with this one, hoping that as the transfer window drags Fulham will sign a striker, allowing Muniz to move on. This hasn't happened so far. They've also slapped a hefty price tag on him and don't want to sell to a Premier League rival. With these factors stacking up against Leeds, it now looks like Atalanta are in pole position should Muniz move on.

The most substantial link to emerge lately is AC Milan's Noah Okafor. A fast and versatile striker, who can also play in the wing, Okafor could be signed for a very reasonable fee. He's struggled for minutes at AC Milan but if he can nail down a starting place somewhere, then he can begin to fulfil his obvious potential. However, there are question marks over his fitness: He missed out on a move to RB Leipzig due to a failed medical. Talks have been held, though, so could be one to keep an eye on.

Make or Break

All the good early work in the transfer window will be overshadowed, should Leeds fail to add sufficient attacking options in the final few weeks. It would be good to see the club approach the remaining window in a proactive manner. Too often I feel we're reactive in certain situations and it has led us to missing out on transfer targets. I appreciate that sometimes the transfer window can be a domino effect, but we don't want to start September under a cloud of negativity and disappointment. Fingers crossed.