Leeds United landed bargain transfer of the summer and nobody is even talking about it

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Leeds United have made a decent start to the Premier League campaign, as they reflect on another spell during the international break.

The Whites have been competitive in nearly every game, ensuring they have a good chance of taking some important points.

That has seen Daniel Farke land some impressive victories, with a Leeds squad that is ready to battle for everything.

There have been some occasional missing moments that have proven costly, with a few late goals also going against the side.

However, on the whole, the foundations are there for the campaign.

That’s been built upon a summer transfer window that was met with a mixed reception.

While the team was strengthened in several areas, fans were left wanting more as several high-profile options slipped away.

There was one deal that is proving to be a bargain, however, and it’s not the free transfer of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

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Sean Longstaff has been a bargain for Leeds United so far this season

Among the signings made by Leeds this summer was Sean Longstaff, who joined from Newcastle United.

The midfielder may have seemed like an underwhelming signing for some, having been a part of the wider squad at St. James’ Park, rather than a first-team star.

A deal worth an initial £12 million was agreed to bring the 27-year-old to Elland Road, and what an impact he has made.

After two cameo substitute appearances early on, Longstaff has started each of the last five Premier League games for Leeds.

His standout performance came against Bournemouth, where a goal and an assist helped the side earn a draw against the Cherries.

Longstaff has managed to displace Ao Tanaka in the midfield, who was one of the standout stars in the Championship last season.

There was an expectation that the Japanese international would keep his place, but with injuries striking before the form of the new arrival, he can’t seemingly find a way back in.

Because he isn’t the flashiest player or the biggest name, perhaps he isn’t one that gets spoken about a lot.

The summer signing currently sits fifth in the Premier League for the most tackles (23), only behind Moises Caicedo, Jurrien Timber, Tyrick Mitchell and Joao Palhinha.

For that reason, his early impact points towards Longstaff being one of the bargains of the summer.

That much was hinted at by Farke himself when pouring praise on a recent display for the midfielder.

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Daniel Farke’s praise for Leeds United ‘leader’ Sean Longstaff

Having spent his whole career at Newcastle, it was quite the risk for Longstaff to switch to a new environment.

It has paid off so far, however, as Farke claimed his side were “blessed” to have the star within their ranks.

Speaking after Leeds’ win over Bournemouth, the manager said: “His workload against the ball, his composure on the ball, his tactical understanding, also body language and leadership on the pitch and off the pitch – we are pretty blessed to have him.

“This is what leaders are doing, and if they’re then also a great talker, and then can inspire them also with some words, yes, this is top, and this is what Sean is also is capable of.

“But for me, the most important thing is more or less that he leads by example on the pitch.”

He is certainly doing that, and could end up being the most important signing of the summer.