Leeds United are prepared to return to Championship play this week, but the transfer market is far from closed.
The Whites have had a difficult summer, with Daniel Farke losing several important players from last season’s promotion push.
Archie Gray has moved to Tottenham for £40 million, while Crysencio Summerville has left Leeds to join West Ham.
The two have contributed significantly to the club’s fundraising efforts, yet reinvestment has been modest thus far.
Joe Rodon and Jayden Bogle have completed the permanent transition from Spurs and Sheffield United, respectively, while Joe Rothwell has signed on a season-long loan from AFC Bournemouth.
The quest for a winger continues, with Jonathan Rowe linked with a transfer to Leeds.
However, in terms of other transfer objectives, it appears like Elland Road has lost out to one of their Championship rivals.
Alfie Gilchrist chose Sheffield United over Leeds.
Chelsea teenager Alfie Gilchrist has been linked with a move to Leeds during the summer transfer window in quest of senior first-team experience.
The 20-year-old is a versatile defender who can play either centre-back or right-back in the backline.
Gilchrist appeared 17 times for Chelsea in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, earning a breakthrough season with his strong performances.
The next step was a loan move, with Leeds identified as one of the teams interested in the kid.
However, their rivals Sheffield United have clinched a deal, as confirmed by the club.
“The loan market tends to heat up later in the window, so we knew we’d have to wait a little longer if we wanted our top targets,” Blades manager Chris Wilder said in a club statement.
“Alfie was always one of the players at the top of our coveted list.
“Everyone in the game is aware of Alfie’s abilities, so our pitch to him and Chelsea needed to be spot on.”
“There’s been a lot of work behind the scenes to get this deal done, and we’re excited to work with a truly outstanding athlete.
“Alfie has had a taste of playing at the greatest level, and after speaking with him, he is eager to get more games under his belt.
“He’s ready to take the next opportunity in his career and we’re delighted to have added him to our squad.”
With Leeds set to compete with Sheffield United for promotion from the Championship, this is an intriguing move for the Whites to keep an eye on.
Did Leeds United need Alfie Gilchrist?
While Leeds appeared to miss out on a deal for Gilchrist, it raises the issue of whether they needed the defender in the first place.
With Bogle joining Sam Byram, the right-back position is already well-stocked for the season ahead.
The return of Rodon and Max Wober to central defence has improved Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu’s options.
While there is an opportunity to recruit another centre-back, offering a backup role to a Premier League team for a good kid may be difficult.
It may not be a significant benefit to Leeds because Gilchrist has reinforced a rival, but it could have been a transaction that would not have worked for them anyhow.
