Daniel Farke has laid down a marker to the hierarchy at Leeds United ahead of the final two weeks of the window.
Leeds had already been in the market for three more signings and that need has become even more intense after agreeing to sell Georginio Rutter to Brighton.
The Seagulls activated Rutter’s £40 million release clause on Wednesday and despite Leeds looking to convince him to stay with the offer of a new deal, he will be leaving.
Farke spoke about Rutter’s situation in his press conference earlier today and confirmed the Frenchman has indeed said some emotional goodbyes to the rest of the squad and staff.
But for those working behind-the-scenes, they now have the unenviable task of bringing in a number of players who are able to have Leeds pushing for promotion again.
Farke sends clear transfer message to Leeds board
It has been 26 days since Leeds last made a signing with Farke confirming a number of weeks ago he still wanted another full-back and central midfielder.
Another winger was then added on top of that following Crysencio Summerville’s departure, and yet Leeds continue to move at a snail’s pace when it comes to new signings.
Just like in both of his previous pre-match press conferences, Farke was once again asked about the state of play regarding incomings at Elland Road.
Farke has been quick to urge patience in the last week or so, but it would be fair to say he has ramped up the pressure on the 49ers and Leeds’ recruitment team to get something done.
Via Leeds’ YouTube channel, he said: “I stick to what I said. We need cover at full-back, a midfielder, a winger or offensive player and after Georgi a second offensive player. They need the full package in all areas. You are not a top player unless you deliver goals and assists.
“They have to fit personality and mentality and be affordable. Not easy to attract this quality. Easier in the Premier League. This is what we work on. I know our key people are working hard behind the scenes.
“I know when there are no incomings there is stress, but I talk to them every day and they know what I want. I am carefully optimistic something will happen.”
Farke shares whether he knew about Rutter clause
Understandably, Farke’s press conference was dominated by the imminent exit of Rutter from Elland Road.
Like many others in the last 12 months, Rutter actually had a release clause in his contract that became active after relegation, something which he wasn’t aware of when he was first appointed.
He said: “I wasn’t aware when I signed a year ago but when I looked into the contract and the details and what could happen, I was aware 12 months ago. You could predict someone might activate the release clause.
“It is a proper sum of money. For that, we were all hoping we wouldn’t have to speak this clause – we are not motivated by having the biggest bank account. You have to stick by what you’ve signed in the past.”
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