Andrea Radrizzani abruptly breaks silence on Bamba Dieng drama, offering final verdict on Leeds business - Team Talk 1/9/22

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Jonny Whitfield

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani claims his club were “screwed up” after deadline-day drama saw them miss out on Bamba Dieng.

The Whites enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, motoring through a host of early signings. Boss Jesse Marsch wasted no time moulding his team in his vision with the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

However, amid Daniel James’ exit from the club to Fulham, Leeds sought a replacement for the Welshman.

And the Elland Road club were steaming towards the arrival of Marseille’s Senegal international Dieng.

Indeed, Leeds chief Radrizzani said earlier on Thursday: “Let’s welcome Bamba Dieng and we will continue to work on Gapko.”

In the end, the Whites have signed neither. Gakpo is staying at PSV Eindhoven, but the real drama came with Dieng.

The 22-year-old was in a private jet terminal in France with a plane on stand-by to take him to England. But, Nice came along with a rival offer and, after some lobbying from his agent, he decided to stay in France.

Radrizzani subsequently took to Twitter later on Thursday to break his silence on the developments.

He wrote: “Part of the madness of deadline day. We have been screwed up, it happens even to the best ones.

“We have done a great market, planned and executed our targets at very early stage. Keep going.”

Leeds have bolstered their front line with former Feyenoord man Luis Sinisterra. He has impressed with two goals already for Marsch’s side.

Aaronson has also settled in well, getting further forward to regularly support attacks from midfield.

However, with James leaving for Fulham and no replacement arriving, Leeds are a man light in their attack.

There are also questions about the lack of a left-back signing.

Leeds enjoyed a strong start to the season with wins over Wolves and Chelsea. However, a draw to Southampton – with two points being dropped from 2-0 up – was a setback.

And Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Everton at Elland Road was another game Leeds could have won.

They have plenty of goals in the team, especially if Patrick Bamford can stay fit. But he has endured a torrid recent run with injuries and Leeds need other players to continue to step up to help him along.

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