Leeds missed out on reported summer target Conor Gallagher

Add as preferred source on Google

Despite achieving some successful transfer business in the summer window, it looks like Conor Gallagher was one that got away for Leeds United.

There is a week until the January transfer window opens to allow clubs to conduct business and Marcelo Bielsa’s side can learn from their work at the beginning of the season.

The Yorkshire giants bought in players to fit their philosophy, with new additions Raphinha and Rodrigo in particular really blending in well with the high intensity style of play at the club.

But it looks like they really missed out on previously linked Gallagher.

The Daily Mail reported back in September that Leeds wanted to sign Gallagher from Premier League giants Chelsea on a permanent basis.

Gallagher ended up leaving Chelsea to join West Brom on a season-long loan, where he’s made a brilliant impact at the Hawthorns and has taken to top-flight football so quickly.

It may have been unreasonable for Leeds to think they could’ve prized the 20-year-old away from Stamford Bridge given his talent, but even a loan deal would have been a major coup.

He is an all-action central midfielder that has chipped in with a couple of goals for a West Brom side that are fighting relegation, plus his energy to keep pressing for 90 minutes is remarkable and it’s easy to forget this is his first season in the Premier League.

The English midfielder has all the attributes of a Bielsa player, which is why it’s a shame Leeds never wrapped up some kind of deal to bring him to Yorkshire as he would have been ideal.

Leeds scouts certainly know what they are doing when it comes to identifying players to fit the system and it’s certainly a demanding one.