Saturday afternoon sees Leeds United face one of the other two promoted sides for the first time in the Premier League this season, and it also sees Jaidon Anthony face some of his old teammates.
Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Ethan Ampadu were all teammates of Jaidon Anthony during his loan spell at Elland Road from Bournemouth, during 2023-24. But Anthony struggled to start games.
Just two goals for Leeds followed that season from Anthony, who endured a difficult time off the pitch that season due to the loss of his Mother. Anthony would return to Bournemouth and join Burnley.
A move to Burnley last season on loan saw the winger reunite with Scott Parker, with whom he worked under at Bournemouth previously. Promotion saw Anthony sign permanently for Burnley, for £8m.
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke answers question on Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony
If Anthony surprised Leeds fans last season in playing a key role in getting Burnley promoted, his form in the Premier League will have stunned plenty so far. Anthony had a hand in 15 goals for Burnley last term.
But this season, he’s already scored four Premier League goals and laid on an assist in seven for Burnley. Farke was asked about Anthony, with Leeds deciding not to sign Anthony after his loan at Elland Road.
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“Jaidon has a place in my heart. Fantastic player to work with, fantastic teammate, always great to have him around. A joy every day. Potential never in doubt. Unlucky with minor injuries,” Farke summarised.
“We had Crysencio Summerville in his position, Player of the Season. Sadly for Jaidon, he was a bit unlucky that was his position. I’ve always labelled Jaidon as a Premier League player, a top player.
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“Even better human being. My fingers will always be crossed for him, a fantastic start to the season – top attitude. My fingers won’t be crossed tomorrow, but he’s a fantastic player and person,” he added.
Jaidon Anthony’s Leeds and Burnley numbers compared
Farke’s comments do make sense, with Summerville enjoying a Player of the Season campaign that made it impossible to drop him during 2023-24. But, Summerville left in the summer of 2024 to join West Ham.
There might have been scope to bring Anthony back to Elland Road, but Leeds decided to take a risk on Manor Solomon and it paid off. The now-Villarreal winger had a hand in 23 goals for Leeds last season.
Solomon netted the winner against Plymouth to secure the Championship title on the final day ahead of Anthony’s Burnley, a real full-circle moment. Leeds now have to work out how to stop in-form Anthony.