The majority of Daniel Farke’s signings have hit the ground running, but there have been some forgettable additions
The squad inherited by Daniel Farke a little over a year ago has seen 13 new faces come through the door at Elland Road since the German’s arrival.
The majority have gone on to have an immediate impact on the first team, with several being key players in last season’s promotion push and only a slight sprinkling of underwhelming spells that won’t live long in the memory.
Overall it would be difficult to argue that Farke and Co haven’t got recruitment right, though some of the departing players; namely Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, will be a big miss in West Yorkshire as there is a real sense of cohesion with the squad that is being built in Leeds.
Aside from Joe Rodon, the jury is still out on the new faces that have already come through the door this summer. Jayden Bogle is expected to slot straight into the starting line-up and to be a permanent fixture at right-back, with Gray and Luke Ayling both having left Elland Road. Joe Rothwell is expected to compete strongly for game time while Alex Cairns is set to provide back up to Ilian Meslier and Karlow Darlow in between the sticks.
Faith in their new manager wouldn’t be misplaced, with multiple of last season’s incoming players getting plenty of minutes under their belts. Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu, Sam Byram, Ilia Gruev and the now-departed Glen Kamara all got plenty of game time along with then-loanee Rodon – as did Jaidon Anthony and the only winter signing Connor Roberts, who have now returned to their parent clubs.
Here is every signing made in order since Farke arrived as manager on July 4, 2023…
The first official signing under Farke, Ampadu led the Whites out at Wembley at just 23-years-old in the heartbreaking play-off final in May. Dependable in the 2023/24 campaign, the Welshman didn’t miss a minute on the push for promotion.
Karl Darlow
Darlow seldom graced the pitch in the Championship last season – though only ever signed with a view of deputising for Illan Meslier. The former Newcastle United man was called into action when his French counterpart received his marching orders against Preston on Boxing Day and in the following game against West Brom.
Sam Byram
Arriving on a free transfer, Byram racked up 24 starts in the Championship last season, scoring twice. He proved himself to be an astute acquisition in his second spell with the Whites.
Joe Rodon
Solidifying himself as a fans favourite over his initial loan spell, Rodon’s permanent arrival from Spurs this summer as part of a package deal sending Gray the other way was a very welcome addition to the squad. If the Welsh international can pick up from where he left off, there’s plenty for Leeds fans to look forward to in the coming campaign.
Joel Piroe
Piroe hit the ground running with four goals in his first five games, including one on his debut against Ipswich. He has played more of a bit-part role behind Patrick Bamford this calendar year but he still contributed 13 league goals in his first year at Elland Road.
Djed Spence (loan)
The promise shown by Spence in his loan spell at Nottingham Forest was not replicated during his time donning the white shirt. A training injury early into his spell didn’t help proceedings, and the right-back was sent back to Spurs in January with just seven appearances under his belt.
Ilia Gruev
The Bulgarian international came into his own and picked up the bulk of his minutes in the second half of the season. Highly likely to pair Ampadu to start the season. Unless Farke moves to bring in another midfielder, Gruev has done enough to impress in the last year.
Glen Kamara
Arriving on deadline day with Gruev last summer, Kamara has already opted for pastures anew with Leeds almost doubling their initial investment on the Fin who will ply his trade at French club Rennes next season. Far from a poor signing, but at 28-years-old he was deemed replaceable at the fee offered.
Jaidon Anthony (loan)
Part of the Luis Sinisterra deal, Anthony was largely used as a substitute throughout the season. Just two of his 31 league appearances came from a starting position, and there will be no rush to bring him back from Bournemouth.
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