Having come through one of the most challenging times any club could face, Leeds United are back in the big time. The club endured financial meltdown in the early 2000s, was relegated twice, and spent more time in the bottom half of the Championship than they did chasing promotion. It weas not until the arrival of the likes of Victor Orta that the clubs position has changed. Today, it stands as a respected Premier League club playing some of the most entrancing football in Europe.

Ever since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds United, there has been a clear focus on getting professionals who train as well as they play. This has seen numerous players come and go, unable to fit the style and the demands of playing for Leeds. However, one player who has perhaps made as big an impression off the park as he has on it would be Adam Forshaw. The midfielder has been a part of the Leeds side for a few years now, but has endured injury hell as most of the last two seasons have passed him by due to injury.

When you sign a player from FC Barcelona, you expect to pick up a player of genuine quality who can make a difference. Junior Firpo, a former Real Betis full-back, is the ideal option for an attack-minded side. His power helps him to get past defenders, while his impressive passing range and crossing ability make him a good choice for breaking forward with. However, his pace can also play a role in helping him to get back into position.

Go back even five years, and most Leeds United fans had accepted the Championship was the present and future of the club. Progress on the pitch was minimal, with a dour playing squad and precious little in the way of reasons to feel optimistic.

When Crystal Palace were in need of striking options in early 2021, they turned to Mainz. The German club were looking for a stable solution for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta. The former Lyon man had enjoyed a successful, if inconsistent, time in the German top-flight. However, an 18-month loan deal was agreed with the Eagles, with Palace able to buy the striker outright for a fee of around £13m.

As a club that has become noted for having a fine blend of youth domestic talent and interesting signings from afar, Leeds United have become well-regarded for their squad development. The arrival of Marcelo Bielsa and previously Victor Orta into key positions at the club has revolutionised the way that the Whites buy players.

Coming into the season, most Leeds United fans could be forgiven for feeling pretty cocky. The Whites had just come off a spectacular first season back in the top-flight where a few results improved could have seen them playing in Europe. However, fans have been brought back down to Earth after a ruining defeat at Old Trafford, losing 5-1 to the old enemy. Then, a chastening draw with Everton took place where the team looked bedraggled at the back. Confidence is still high around the city, but results would be needed quickly to settle the team down.

Like many Leeds fans, watching the 5-1 defeat to Manchester United at the weekend came with one glaring issue: midfield. United playmaker Paul Pogba had the entire pitch to himself, and spent much of the afternoon spraying passes around. His four assists on the day showed one thing: Leeds need more competition in the middle of the park. As the team was run off the pitch in Manchester, then, reports of another battle starting – this time on the transfer front – might have some Leeds fans excited again.

Having built one of the most interesting teams in the history of Leeds United, Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa can have much to be proud of. Their outstanding work in recent years has seen the club lift from the mid-table of the second tier to playing a key role in the Premier League. Part of this success has come down to an outstanding hit rate in signings, delivering a team that Leeds fans can be justifiably proud of watching every time they take to the field. However, there is also a strong academy prospect feel to the club, with various players coming through the ranks to represent the fans in the stands.

When it comes to summer signings and rumours, Leeds United fans in particular know how stressful things can be. Ever since Marcelo Bielsa arrived, too, Leeds have enjoyed a higher profile internationally. This leads to the clubs name being used to advertise new signings and potential pick-ups from across the game. From young Georgian wing wizards to playmakers from across La Liga, Leeds are regularly used now as part of transfer discourse. One player they have long been linked to, though, is already in England.