Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Leeds United botched the loan market and it looks set to cost them
Leeds United have done a lot of things right this season. It is because of those successful choices they currently remain in the hunt for Premier League promotion with two games left of the Championship season.
But with their automatic hopes hanging by a thread some criticism needs to be aimed at certain practices at Elland Road.
One area where they have failed is in the loan market. Leeds wanted proven Championship players last summer but their budget meant loanees would have to be signed.
Up step the likes of Jamal Blackman, Lewis Baker, Izzy Brown and Jack Harrison.
Blackman was considered not up to scratch with his fitness. The goalkeeper worked hard to get into ‘Bielsa-shape’ but then broke his leg. He never played a league game for Leeds United.
Baker never looked settled at Elland Road. He failed to produce anything like his best and decided he wanted an exit in January, heading to Reading for the rest of the season. He has since gone on to play a key role in the Berkshire side’s relegation battle.
Brown was always a surprise signing. He was still recovering from a serious knee injury and was brought in for the second half of the season. However, he suffered setbacks in his recovery and Leeds fans are unlikely to see him in action again.
Harrison has been the best of the lot. His work-rate and attitude have to be commended but many Leeds fans have been frustrated by his quality in the final third.
All in all, Leeds botched the loan additions. Blackman and Brown, in particular, were clearly not suited to Leeds. Baker was an unfortunate disappointment whilst Harrison’s struggles at Middlesbrough last season should have had Leeds cautious.
If Leeds had been more successful with loan additions perhaps their promotion to the Premier League would have already been tied up by now.
Whatever happens, next season’s will need to be better.