Superb Prem star was ‘really desperate’ for Leeds Utd transfer as Daniel Farke details next steps
Leeds United have signed Jaidon Anthony from Bournemouth
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has rubbished speculation that Jaidon Anthony needed some convincing to sign for the Whites with the winger now expected to play a significant role in the club’s quest for promotion.
The 23-year-old star was linked with a move to Arsenal earlier this summer as Mikel Arteta looked to add depth to his attacking options. And while a potential move never materialised, it illustrated just how high a regard Anthony found himself in.
Indeed, the winger has featured in all three of Bournemouth’s games to date, prior to his move and also has over 50 Championship appearances to his name, with an impressive tally of eight goals and seven assists in the second tier.
Now Leeds United have their hands on Anthony and there is a feeling that the Whites have landed a real coup.
Indeed, the Whites board reacted with some surprise, apparently, when their quest to include Anthony as part of the Luis Sinisterra deadline day move to the Cherries was accepted by the Bournemouth board.
And while the manner of Sinisterra’s exit leaves Leeds with something of a bitter taste, especially amid a potential legal issue, the Whites now have a talented new winger to call upon after the international break.
However, there were claims that the move, which only beat the deadline by minutes, was almost delayed by Anthony’s apparent hesitancy at the prospective move to Elland Road.
Farke, though, insists the Hackney-born star was desperate to make the move and now claims he is set for a “pretty important role” for the Whites this season.
Farke expects big things from new Leeds signing Jaidon Anthony
Discussing the club’s ninth signing of the summer, Farke certainly feels Leeds have landed a real asset in the former Arsenal academy man.
“I think with Jaidon Anthony I think we found the best possible option because he’s a proven Championship player, he’s delivered with many good performances for Bournemouth on this level,” said Farke.
“He has started the first games on Premier League level and has played so many games in Premier League level, brilliant lad, also really desperate to be here.”
“He’s still an age where he can improve. You can’t compare him with Luis because he was a proven international player and Jaidon is still young, we want to improve and want to work with him but he has also lots of quality and lots of potential to work with him.”
New winger will offer something different to Leeds United
Farke is clearly a relieved man that the transfer window is now closed and the boss now knows the identity of the squad at his disposal.
Anthony looks sure to play a key part. Leeds carried the fight to Sheffield Wednesday in their last game before the international break on Saturday but were unable to beat their low block as the match ended in a 0-0 draw.
While Leeds are well blessed for winger options, someone like Anthony could have offered them something a little different in a bid to unlock a well-drilled Owls defence.
As a result, Farke plans to offer the player a fairly major role in the weeks and months ahead.
“Right now the reality is Jaidon is in and we are all happy that we have him and it’s the same with all the other guys, thank God the transfer window has closed.
“We can concentrate on football, we can concentrate on the work and I think Jaidon will definitely play also a pretty important role for us in the upcoming months,” he added.
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