OPINION
As widely expected, Leeds United sealed the signing of Adam Forshaw from Middlesbrough this evening following 48 hours of speculation that a deal was in progress.
As not expected at all, Leeds have announced the £4.5million fee they will pay for the central midfielder.
This is a major shock on two levels. It is the highest United have paid for a player since the £11million capture of Robbie Fowler from Liverpool in November 2001 back in their Premier League glory days.
Moreover, Leeds have taken the step of announcing the actual price, a highly unusual occurrence for a club who like to keep the precise transfer details under wraps.
In a statement on their official website, the Yorkshire giants also proudly announced that they had seen off competition from rival clubs for the signature of Forshaw.
“The 26-year-old moves to Elland Road in a deal worth £4.5m and has signed a four and a half year deal, running until the summer of 2022,” it reads. “United beat off competition from a number of teams in the division, to secure the signing of the experienced central midfielder.”
So, why the public boasting and candidness? This has got the fingerprints of Andrea Radrizzani all over it.
It is surely no coincidence that the level of detail in the statement comes just two days after the Leeds owner took to social media to address the concerns of fans that the club were lacking ambition and focusing on bargain signings and cheap fixes.
United fan Radebae messaged owner Radrizzani on Twitter calling for “some answers to do with transfers” as the supporter base were “getting more impatient” following 15 years in the lower leagues.
We do actually need to start hearing some answers to do with transfers. Fans are getting more impatient and rightly so, we’re one of the biggest clubs in England and have been stuck in 2nd division for 15+ years??? @andrearadri #lufc
— Radebæ (@raddrizarmy) January 16, 2018
Radrizzani replied on his personal account that he was aware of the frustration from fans but he has only been “responsible” since last June and is “working hard” on making their dreams come true.
The Italian businessman insisted that senior management “will be transparent and clear on market transfer strategy” in a question-and-answer session in February.
I can see yours and all fans are getting impatient but I am responsible since last June and working hard to make our dream come true ???????????????????? @LUFC management will be transparent and clear on market transfer strategy in Q&A session in Feb. all focus on millwall now #mot https://t.co/LbAMUybd12
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) January 16, 2018
Two days later, hey presto, Leeds are more open about a signing – by choice – than anyone can remember.
Radrizzani has clearly been stung by the criticism of supporters, much of which has been justified in terms of the investment in the playing squad.
The businessman has been the antithesis to the erratic and controversial Massimo Cellino since taking sole control last May, making a series of popular moves that have gone down well with supporters, particularly buying back Elland Road.
But Radrizzani is far from the big-spending owner that many fans had hoped for, to fund their return to the Premier League promised land.
It particularly irritates supporters that the club have been fixed on buying cheap and young players, unwilling to compete for the signings who could immediately transform the team.
The signing of Forshaw is a significant departure from that. He is both relatively expensive by Championship standards, and in demand.
It is a start, but most not be the end. Can Radrizzani follow it up with a big-money striker purchase in the next fortnight? That would really make a statement.