Can Jesse Marsch get his new look squad firing in the 2022/23 season?
What happened last year?
Leeds United’s second season in the Premier League started with plenty of optimism after finishing ninth in their first season in the top flight. However, they got off to a poor start, losing 5-1 at Old Trafford and second season syndrome soon set in. Leeds struggled to find enough victories to propel themselves up the table and found themselves in 16th with just 16 points at the turn of the year.
A new year didn’t bring about a change in Leeds’ fortunes and the board called time on Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as manager. His replacement Jesse Marsch, had it all to do to ensure survival but Leeds struggled to put together a run of results. On the final day of the season, Leeds had to better Burnley’s result to extend their Premier League residency, a 2-1 win away to Brentford secured survival for Marsch’s side.
Key signings?
Brenden Aaronson
Leeds have been active in the transfer window and have made some notable acquisitions. American Brenden Aaronson has been the most expensive so far at close to £30 million. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder who joins from RB Salzburg, has already impressed his fellow teammates and manager during pre-season, praised for his work ethic and willingness to receive the ball.
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Luis Sinisterra
Another key signing for Leeds was Colombian winger, Luis Sinisterra, who will give Marsch options in attacking areas and fill the void left by the outgoing Raphinha. The 23-year-old joins Leeds from Feyenoord having enjoyed a very productive season, scoring 23 and assisting 14 in all competitions.
Tyler Adams
A five-year deal has also been agreed with USA international, Tyler Adams, who has been brought in to be Kalvin Phillips’ replacement in defensive midfield. The 23-year-old had been plying his trade at RB Leipzig before securing a move to the Premier League for a fee in the region of £15 million. Marsch will be familiar with Adams’ style of play having coached him previously in both New York and Leipzig and it’s clear the American manager is highly regarded among former players with the signings he’s helped to bring in.
And who’s out?
Raphinha
After an impressive season last year, scoring 11 and assisting three it was no surprise that Raphinha found himself on the radar of Europe’s top clubs. Despite a reportedly more lucrative offer on the table from Chelsea, Raphinha decided to sign for Barcelona who have managed to navigate their financial woes to bring in the talented Brazilian. The 25-year-old was Leeds’ talisman last season and was crucial in their survival bid.
Kalvin Phillips
After 14 years at his boyhood club, Kalvin Phillips was prized away from Elland Road by Manchester City in a deal thought to be worth £42 million. The defensive midfielder was a crucial cog in Bielsa’s system and will be sorely missed by the Leeds faithful.
What can we expect from them in 2022/23?
With plenty of activity in the transfer window and a relatively new coach who is still implementing his philosophy at the club, it’s hard to predict how Leeds will fare next season. There are plenty of reasons to be hopeful for the Whites with exciting young talent joining the ranks, but it remains to be seen how losses of key players will impact the team.
With Marsch at the helm and a full season to prepare his team, Leeds may well surprise a few this year and I’d certainly expect them to better last season where they never really got started.
Where do the odds project them to finish?
The premier league winner market projects Leeds to finish in 12th position, a result Leeds fans would probably be happy with after the trials and tribulations of the last campaign.
Any recommended bets?
At 4/11, Leeds to stay up looks to be good value. Only three teams are longer odds to survive but given the winner market has them 12th most likely to win the league an implied probability of 73% for survival looks a little low. Under new management, and perhaps a more conservative style of play, Leeds look good value to avoid relegation this season.
