I am glad to announce season #7 start in my Leeds story. The last one was successful in all cups (Euro Cup, FA Cup + final of League cup) and failed title challenge target in Premier League. This time I decided to claim the same season expectations:

$72M is twice higher than previous year money. I think it's result of high income due to victory in Europa League. It would be great to repeat this success winning Euro Cup again! And sure Premier League title challenge is our first priority now. But let's take a look at the opinion of bookmaker bureau "Sky Bet":

Well, they forecast that we will finish Premier League at the 7th position again! The same Media Prediction says:

I am going to prove all sceptics that tactical approach can overcome squad strength of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal. Go Leeds!!!

 

Players out

All transfers below are very simple. I've just sold underperforming players + Enyeama:

Though Vincent Enyeama wasn't sold – just leased him to Roma. "What's the reason?" – you would ask me. The main reason is that I signed for free good old Julio Cesar who has somewhat better characteristics currently in my game. Another smaller cause is several quite stupid mistakes made by Nigerian keeper in the last season.

 

Players in

This how I spent $65M:

My main intention during this transfer window was buying good central defenders. Seems like I coped with this task getting Kryvtsov, Javi Garcia and Pablo Sanchez. These and all other players apart from young talented regen Berend Doesburg will play in the first team. Let's look at them in detail.

 

Julio Cesar

 

There's no need to introduce one of the best goalkeepers in the real life. Hope he will do a great job for my team in spite of his old age. Notice Julio Cesar demanded really high salary - $140K – becoming the most paid Leeds player.

By the way I recall I had already used him once when I was managing Inter! I bet you don't read my short Inter story in Football Manager 2007 just because it was long ago:

My story with Football Manager 2007: Lazio/Inter, the 4th season

 

Arturo Vidal

It was a lucky strike to convince Arturo Vidal in joining Leeds United. He is quick, intelligent central midfielder with high technique and tackling skills. Probably he is even one of the best central midfielder in the game! Arturo Vidal will perform side by side with Fabian Delph as a ball winning halfback.

 

Pablo Sanchez

Star signings of Julio Cesar and Arturo Vidal were not the most important squad changes just because I decided to renew Leeds defence completely. $27M were paid for Pablo Sanchez – new star central defender of Argentine national team. I want to single out Concentration and Determination values of this wonderkid. It seems he has all chances to become a world star in 2-3 years. Wonderful guy in short!

 

Javi Garcia

Experienced high-quality footballer who can perform as central defender and central midfielder. Versatility is of course a good thing but I intend using him at the defence area. Great mental skills multiplied by physical strength and decent technical skills should make Javi Garcia solid Leeds first squad player.

By the way those who read my Hull story in Football Manager 2009 should remember Javi Garcia as one of the best team players in the last season:

- Hull. Before the start of the last season…

- Hull. First half of season #7

- Hull story is finished. The season of 3 finals!

 

Sergiy Kryvtsov

It's known that I have a weakness to Ukrainian footballers just because I am Ukrainian manager. Now welcome Sergiy Kryvtsov in Leeds – the third new central defender in this transfer window. He is not so intelligent and technically developed as Pablo Sanchez and Javi Garcia. Though he is the best in air having very high values of Strength, Jumping and Heading.

 

Jonjo Shelvey

Shelvey is an English talent. He will be used from substitution bench in my team covering Marco Verratti position when it's necessary. He will compete with Jadson who start loosing his attributes' values due to age.

 

Silviu Lung

This goalie could be first squad player if Leeds wouldn't get Julio Cesar. But I had an opportunity to sign him for free and it was too tempting actually. So now I had solid backup goalie.

 

Berend Doesburg

Prospective young central midfielder. If he trains well we will see this guy in Leeds main squad certainly.

 

Just thoughts

I think it was targeted and concrete transfer campaign from me. 3 new central defender + Arturo Vidal + Julio Cesar – the guys how should change change starting eleven much.

Interesting fact that three Leeds players can be found in my Football Manager 2010 wonderkids list:

- Silviu Lung (GK)

- Sergiy Kryvtsov (DC)

- Jonjo Shelvey (MC)

So what do you think regarding Leeds transfers this season?

 

Marco Verratti

In the end I want to share one screen shot. Some of you asked to show Marco Verratti's preferred moves and positions – here it is: