Thomas Christiansen has revealed that there will be no let-up in the stunning Leeds United recruitment drive that has transformed the squad over the last month.
Seven new arrivals are in place, while 2016-17 loanees Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko have signed permanent deals, to take the number of new signings up to nine with three weeks remaining until the Championship season begins.
But new manager Christiansen has promised more new arrivals after admitting that his priority is to strengthen a defence that has been reduced to just two senior centre-backs.
With Pontus Jansson absent from the opening two games due to a suspension incurred for collecting 15 bookings last term, Liam Cooper is the only recognised centre-back available for the curtainraiser against Bolton on 6 August.
Speaking from Leeds’ pre-season base in Austria, where they have two scheduled friendlies this week, Christiansen shared an update on the club’s transfer plans as he stressed the emphasis is on getting the right players in.
“We are still looking to make more signings,” Christiansen told the Yorkshire Evening Post. “It is important we sign well but that we also show patience in our recruitment.”
The 44-year-old’s use of the plural term clearly suggests another signing blitz is promised after three senior attacking arrivals last week in Caleb Ekuban, Samuel Saiz and Ezgjan Alioski.
The Championship big hitters have concentrated on signing players in their prime or with their best years ahead of them in a clear shift away from the policy of previous transfer windows.
“The recruitment has been pleasing,” added the manager to the Yorkshire Post. “Some young players have come in to improve the team and we are happy with our signings.
“It is important for the new players and me that they were able to come to Austria with us. I am a new coach and they are new players so it is important we got together as soon as possible.”