McLeish cites Aston Villa after being surprised by Leeds transfer update
Alex McLeish has voiced his surprise at the lack of signings at Leeds United after a transfer update from Marcelo Bielsa.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted he thought the Whites would follow in Aston Villa’s footsteps and invest heavily in the squad this summer.
As quoted by the Athletic (19th August), Marcelo Bielsa revealed it was “not probable” Leeds would do any more business before deadline day.
McLeish revealed he had expected to see Leeds to show a similar level of ambition to Villa in the market.
However, he admitted the finances at Elland Road may not have allowed for such heavy investment.
Asked if he was surprised by Leeds’ lack of business, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I did expect them (to make more signings). I think many people did, certainly with the Leeds board.
“I felt they may have looked at an Aston Villa situation. They didn’t come near to relegation or anything. They hovered about mid-table all season.
“You would think that they’d think: ‘We want to go even higher.’
“The financial situation might be different to Aston Villa’s. Villa are able to back Dean Smith with further transfers. Leeds have decided (not to).
“Whether that’s Bielsa, if he feels that he has the players already there he can introduce one or two in some games and introduce one or two in others.”
Leeds have added Junior Firpo from Barcelona and Kristoffer Klaesson from Valarenga to the first-team squad.
They have also recruited Lewis Bate, Amari Miller and Sean McGurk for their under-23s.
In other news, Mills shares fascinating insight into new Bamford deal at Leeds United.