Leeds United morning headlines on Saturday, September 2nd, 2023 as the fallout from transfer deadline day continues and the build-up to a game with Sheffield Wednesday comes into focus.

Deadline day Drameh

Before the late Luis Sinisterra drama, the early transfer deadline day news was the departure of Codey Drameh to Birmingham City. The 21-year-old has struggled to establish himself in the Leeds United team and was going to battle for game time this season, so he chose to join Birmingham City on a season-long loan, with his contract at Leeds expiring in a year.

Drameh has spoken about the move and joining John Eustace’s side, and this is what he said to the club website. “I’m quite excited. I took a look around and feel energised and ready to start.

“It’s a project that’s very exciting right now.”

with the new owners and everything. Everybody has a good buzz around them, it seems like a family sort of vibe – that made me want to come here.”

Read more: Leeds United aggression out of weakness in 60 critical days pulling 30-man group from £30m-plus trim

One that got away
There’s always that one deal that didn’t come off or the one that got away as the clock ticked down on transfer deadline day. According to The Mirror, that moved for Leeds was an attempted swoop for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ilias Chair. Journalist Darren Witcoop says Leeds tried to get a late deal over the line for the player and that they were prepared to meet the £6m valuation.

It was perhaps a bit too late in the day for the deal o come through, leaving QPR with little to no time to find a replacement.

Gnonto learns Italy fate

 

Wilfried Gnonto has retained his place in the Italy squad, despite Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League. New Azzurri boss Luciano Spalletti has named the 19-year-old in his 29-man squad for their upcoming EURO 2024 qualifiers against North Macedonia and Ukraine.

Spalletti was appointed Italy boss last month following the surprise resignation of Roberto Mancini, who stepped down after five years in charge of his country to take the job of Saudi Arabia national team head coach on a lucrative deal. Former Manchester City boss Mancini was a huge fan of Gnonto, handing the Leeds forward his national team debut and making him a regular in his squads.

Mancini’s exit last month saw Gnonto post an emotional farewell message on social media. “Thank you for everything you have done for me,” he wrote on Instagram. For giving me the opportunity to achieve my biggest dream and for always believing in me. I’m forever grateful.”