"It has been a disaster" - Pundit reveals big Leeds United concern after Georginio Rutter exit | OneFootball

Adrian Clarke has discussed Leeds United's transfer market so far and the impact of losing Georginio Rutter.

EFL pundit Adrian Clarke has admitted he is ‘concerned’ at how the transfer window is playing out for Leeds United, as he believes Georginio Rutter will be tough to replace.

The Whites were always going to have a tough summer after they lost the play-off final in May, but it’s been worse than many feared, as Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Rutter have all moved on.

And, Leeds haven’t been impressive on the pitch, as they’ve failed to win in the Championship so far, whilst they were hammered by Middlesbrough in the League Cup.

Adrian Clarke offers worrying Leeds United verdict

So, it’s expected to be a busy end to the window at Elland Road, with Daniel Farke keen to strengthen his squad ahead of the deadline.

There's pressure on the board to ensure that quality additions are made, and EFL expert Clarke told the ‘What the EFL!?’ podcast that he can understand why fans are frustrated, as he discussed specifically how they will miss Rutter after his Brighton switch.

“It has been a disaster (of a start to the season). Daniel Farke needs wins, and he needs them pretty quickly, and he needs signings, and he needs them pretty quickly.

“You can’t go into a season with a squad so much weaker than last season - and remember they didn’t go up last year! So, this is not a good sign for Leeds United.

“I’m not surprised (players moved on), because the individuals are fantastic, but I’m concerned. Where does it end?

“What’s Wilfried Gnonto thinking? He’s been a good pro since he was talked around into staying a year ago, but he’s just seen his mate, who he is as good as, head off to the Premier League.

“I think Rutter is just as big a loss as Summerville, because he knitted the midfield and the attack brilliantly. He was the catalyst for so many attacks, by coming short, turning and spraying the ball wide and getting into the box.

“He didn’t score many, but he did create chaos, and I’m looking at them now and thinking; where is the chaos coming from?”

Leeds United need a productive end to the window

There’s no denying that Summerville and Rutter will be difficult to replace, and most would agree with Clarke’s assessment that the quality in the squad has dropped off.

But, they can still win promotion, and it was a team effort to get 90 points last season, in what was a remarkably competitive division.

Nevertheless, the Leeds board will rightly ask to be judged at the end of the window, and there is a real possibility that they could add four players to the squad before the deadline.

That could transform the team, and whilst it’s going to be difficult to get individuals like Summerville and Rutter, the idea that the team will be better as a whole.

Ultimately, we will see in time how it plays out, but Farke needs support in the market, and it will be down to him to get the team clicking, as promotion needs to be the aim this season.