A player that Leeds United reportedly tabled a £4m bid to sign last summer has just been awarded his club’s Player of the Season award for 2023-24.
Daniel Farke was incredibly busy last summer as he scoured Europe to bring in the necessary players he thought could mount a promotion charge this season. He did just that without being able to sell players.
Victor Orta’s relegation loan clause allowed players Leeds might have looked to sell for some cash, to leave on a dry loan. The Yorkshire club were powerless to prevent exits for Jack Harrison and others.
Farke was up against it and he needed top-level Championship players for bargain fees. He got that with Ethan Ampadu for £7m, Ilia Gruev for £4m and Glen Kamara for £5m as he bolstered his midfield options.
But he wasn’t done there as he looked to bring in a more attacking option. All Leeds fans will remember the name Nadiem Amiri and how that turned out, but Kenny McLean was also a player on his transfer list.
Bought by Farke at Norwich, Leeds are said to have tabled a £4m bid for a player the Leeds boss once said is “unbelievable”. However, McLean chose to remain at Norwich and has enjoyed a brilliant season.
So much so, that Norwich have handed 32-year-old McLean the Player of the Season award.
Kenny McLean wins Norwich award after rejected Leeds offer
Despite the 32-time Scotland star being well into his thirties now, McLean has still started all 44 league games for Norwich during 2023-24. He has captained the Canaries in all of them, with six goals and assists combined.
Whether he would have had a similar impact at Elland Road remains to be seen. But the midfielder has starred for Norwich as they prepare for the play-offs where they could face Leeds if they stay in sixth.
Norwich confirmed that McLean was The Canaries’ Player of the Season on their Twitter on Thursday with the caption “Congrats, Kenny”. It is the first time he has received the honour in his seven-year spell.
What McLean said about a move to Leeds
McLean might be looking back on the decision to decide against a move to Leeds with a little bit of regret given that Leeds are in the hunt for automatic promotion. Missing out on a chance to reunite with Farke.
McLean signed a new deal after the bid was rejected by Norwich and McLean explained that his current side showed him loyalty and commitment, helping him make the decision to stay put at Carrow Road.
Leeds are still likely to be in the market for a new attacking midfielder in the summer with Farke’s squad lacking a natural no.10. That is even with Georginio Rutter starring in the role under the German boss.