Leeds United tried and failed to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham on deadline day, and while the Wales winger was keen, he now looks set to stay at Craven Cottage long-term.
United’s attacking transfer policy came in for a lot of criticism in the back end of the summer window. It’s not hard to see why after their long-running and failed attempts to bring in priority targets.
The mad scramble for last-ditch signings on deadline day epitomised the panic. Ultimately Leeds even failed to bring in Harry Wilson from Fulham.
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Leeds United fail to sign Harry Wilson – Could they spring January pursuit?
In the final hours of deadline day, United thought they had done enough to secure an agreement with Fulham and Wilson. Both Leeds and the player had signed their parts of the deal sheet, only for the Cottagers to pull the plug.
Fulham’s reasoning for backing out of this sale was that their deal to sign Tyrique George from Chelsea fell through. That was in spite of them landing two wingers anyway in Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk, and Samu Chukwueze from AC Milan.
Leeds United target Harry Wilson celebrates a fine goal for Fulham against West London rivals Brentford. (REUTERS/Ian Walton)
For Leeds, they may hold out hope of a January agreement when the winter window opens in the new year. Wilson is into the final year of his contract at Fulham and could therefore be attainable at a low cost. Not only that, but talks on deadline day mean he’s already shown willingness to move to Elland Road.
Marco Silva shuts door on Leeds United move for Harry Wilson with new contract suggestion
Should Leeds want to sign Wilson in January, they may be handed a huge blow by what manager Marco Silva had to say.
Prior to their EFL Cup clash with Cambridge United, Silva stated that he’s not surprised by interest in Wilson. However, insists that he’s committed to the club now and a new contract is on the way.
“It is not a player who is with me just one month, two months, or two years,” Silva said last week, per West London Sport. “This is his fifth year with us. He was my first signing when I joined the football club, and I know him very well.
“For me, it was never a problem. I know, really, how much he wants to stay in the football club. Of course, conversations, they are there, the conversations between us and his representatives.
“Let’s see what is going to happen. But I know, really, the aim of him is to stay in the football club and if we can get an agreement, his future is going to be with us, [I’m] 100 per cent sure.
“It’s part of the business. Of course, he is looking for what is best for him. But the club is trying to get the best for both. It was never something that was concerning about possible links with him. I think it’s normal with the quality he has and the last year of contract. Things are normal in terms of interest in him.”
Leeds United may need Harry Wilson alternatives for January
Leeds were claimed by managing director Robbie Evans to have maxed out their PSR spending. So, any signings in January may need someone to be sold down the line before July.
That being said, if we’re in with a goos shout of staying up by January, we simply cannot let that opportunity go by.
Based on these comments, Wilson may not be an attainable target. Therefore, the club have to find alternatives before the new year.
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