Leeds United need to make better use of the Premier League loan market this summer.
Across the two transfer windows last season, Leeds signed four players on loan from top-flight clubs and only Joe Rodon can really be considered a success.
Aside from Rodon, both Connor Roberts and Jaidon Anthony started just two league matches each and will not be returning permanently, while Djed Spence was sent back to Tottenham early.
But if used correctly, it is certainly a market which Championship sides can reap rewards from and Chelsea are certainly one of the prime clubs Leeds should be looking towards.
Under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have spent an awful lot of money on stockpiling players for their academy that are now in need of regular football.
Leeds should move for Aaronson’s former teammate Datro Fofana
With both Leeds and Chelsea under American ownership, and the Ethan Ampadu deal getting done so quickly last summer, it would seem the two club’s share a good relationship.
Leeds have already been linked with signing a Chelsea youngster on loan with defender Alfie Gilchrist, who started against the Whites in the FA Cup back in March, said to be a target.
But that should not be the only one they are looking at this summer with the Athletic reporting Chelsea are open to offers for young forward David Datro Fofana.
Fofana was actually a teammate of Brenden Aaronson’s at Union Berlin during the first half of last season and after the news the American will be staying at Elland Road, Leeds should look to link up the two again.
Chelsea spent around £10 million to sign Fofana from Molde in January 2023, but it is clear he is not part of the plans at Stamford Bridge.
He is exactly the type of striker Leeds should be looking at due to his pace and ability to get in behind, representing an upgrade on Patrick Bamford, who could be sold.
After his time at Union, Fofana spent the second half of the campaign on loan at a struggling Burnley side, where he scored a respectable four goals in 15 matches.
With that sort of record in a poor team, Fofana could be ready to explode by dropping down a division for a side pushing for promotion.
Leeds looking to revamp forward options
LeedsUnited.News spoke to transfer insider Graeme Bailey last week and he confirmed the forward line is a position the club are looking to overhaul.
That include the sale of Bamford, as well as the potential addition of Daniel Jebbison on a free transfer, who Gretar Steinsson is a big fan of.
Bamford’s exit would surely pave the way for a big signing in the number nine position, and here is what Bailey had to say.
He said: “Coming back to Jebbison, they are wanting to assess the forward department. They want to address their attackers, Bamford being one of them.
“He is on big money, though, do we see him going to the bottom of the Premier League? Quite possibly, England international but I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bamford going.”