Leeds United's pivotal week about more than victory as transfer inactivity takes a toll — Leeds Live 19/8/24

Leeds United's board and manager face a crucial five days to turn the current mood around

The traditional frantic opening week of the new football season with its three games and revolving line-ups is now behind us, as Leeds United manager Daniel Farke enjoys an often overlooked luxury in the Championship of having a number of uninterrupted days to prepare his side for their next encounter.

A trip to a Sheffield Wednesday side torn apart by Sunderland in a surprising first-half yesterday is the test that awaits Farke's men. Winless after two league games and already out of the Carabao Cup, Leeds need three points as the ghosts of last season's early weeks of the campaign return to haunt them.

Three points would certainly aid the complexion of the league table, even if it's embryonic formation is of less concern right now. It will also bring some respite for a group of supporters who began to show their displeasure at The Hawthorns with the style of play on show from Leeds.

Given the vast number of players who have departed this summer, and the quality too in the likes of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Luis Sinisterra, Leeds' spluttering performances could maybe be expected, but not forgiven, it seems. The Whites have not added to their squad for the best part of a month and despite the clear gaps on show and lack of depth in areas, just 11 days of the window remain to address the issues.

That's a frustration for many, that an obvious issue has been left so long in the window to be addressed with results already impacted and confidence looking somewhat fragile. A slow start last season ultimately cost Leeds as they ran out of steam late in the season after working so hard to be in the title and promotion race. A similar outcome this year will be unforgiveable.

And so to the week ahead. Leeds need a signing. Given a Friday night game awaits it's unlikely the Whites will have anyone through the door in suitable time for them to play on Friday night, let alone start, but a new recruit feels needed to settle nerves around the window as much as anything else.

Apprehension needs to give way to anticipation and excitement once again, and nothing aids that cause than new face or two added to a squad. The game at the Owls has already taken on extra significance with a good display and a win needed to placate some, but the importance of the week ahead goes beyond three Championship points, with off the field movement just as important.