Inside Leeds United’s window: Ambitious bids, goalkeeper delays, and a disappointing final day.

In his final presentation before the transfer market closed, Daniel Farke reminded the world that Leeds United still needed attacking reinforcements.

On August 21, upon Noah Okafor’s arrival, he stated that ‘one or two would be beneficial’, but by the weekend, the noises from Elland Road indicated that it would be one at most.

As it was, the last 11 days of the window went by without a single offensive acquisition. As deadline day approached, the club’s preferred solution was Harry Wilson.

Sources at Leeds, speaking anonymously to safeguard relationships, claimed they believed they had met Fulham’s asking price.

Fulham announced on Monday that talks with Leeds over a transfer were ongoing.

Wilson was supposed to fly from Cardiff, near the Wales squad’s training camp, to Leeds. This flight was rescheduled for 4.25pm, but it missed the target and was eventually cancelled.

United were hopeful that a deal could still be completed, even if Wilson was not in West Yorkshire. However, time passed without the two teams reaching a final agreement or making an announcement.

Elland Road sources believed there was encouragement from the Fulham end on a deal sheet to extend the trade beyond the 7pm deadline.

Leeds claim they signed their portion, but Fulham did not, cancelling the transaction as the window closed.

Fulham insiders insist that between mid-afternoon and 7 p.m., they told Leeds that Wilson was no longer for sale, and that there was no understanding that they all sign the transaction sheet.

Fulham insiders insist that between mid-afternoon and 7 p.m., they told Leeds that Wilson was no longer for sale, and that there was no understanding that they all sign the transaction sheet.

Leeds attempted to sign Wilson but were unsuccessful (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images )

Regardless of how things turned out, the transaction failed. Leeds were left staring into the abyss with nothing to show for their attack over the final 11 days of the window.

This has been a window with two halves. Coming into the summer, once speculation over Farke’s future was put to rest, the club’s major decision-makers were aware of how they would be seen.

Managing director Robbie Evans, sporting director Adam Underwood, and head of recruiting Alex Davies had never held such high-level positions during a summer transfer window. Sources close to the trio, who requested anonymity to protect relationships, said they realised they had a lot to prove.

They were aware that they were inexperienced and that the outside world would be quick to point out flaws in any mistakes they oversaw this summer. They were likewise confident in their talents and trusted themselves to get it correctly.

They had worked hard throughout their separate careers to reach to this position, and they thought they were more than equipped for what the club required, both inside and out, to remain in the Premier League next May.

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