Former Celtic and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton admits he is concerned for Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window.
Jesse Marsch’s side needed a last-gasp 2-1 win away at Brentford on the final day of the season to escape the drop by three points, with Leeds' safety coming at expense of Burnley, who were relegated after six seasons in the Premier League.
Despite Leeds’ safety, Sutton, who won the Premier League as a player while at Blackburn Rovers, felt that the Whites were lucky to escape on the final day of the season and that to ensure a more comfortable 2022/23 campaign, they need to make big signings next year and retain their key players.
"Absolutely (surprised). Jesse Marsch, he’s such a positive guy,” BBC's Monday Night Club. “He always believed, stayed positive, they stayed up because Burnley didn’t get a result I understand the positive thinking but they got away with one. I worry for Leeds in the summer. It’s a really interesting summer, a lot of Leeds fans have been frustrated about the lack of signings in January.
"Raphinha must have his head turned if Barcelona are in for him, the hope is they can keep the likes of (Kalvin) Phillips. It’s been a disaster defensively but they’ve had a difficult time, they’ve got over the line but this summer is one to watch. (Sam) Greenwood was in the action yesterday.
"You go back to the (Pascal) Struijk goal but Brighton should’ve wiped the floor with them only for the skill from (Joe) Gelhardt on the touchline - that gave them an opportunity with the result against Brentford."
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Leeds took the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa after almost four seasons in charge in February, replacing him with former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg boss Marsch.
In Marsch’s 12 games in charge so far, Leeds won four, drew three and lost the remaining five, with United picking up 15 points under the American’s time in charge.
Speaking after the dramatic final day of the season survival on what the summer holds, he admits that after the squad have taken a break, the focus will be on recruitment and improving for next season.
“We all need to take a little break, we’ve earned it,” said Marsch. “It’s been a stressful time but we’re going to have a meeting in the next couple of days and we’re going to talk about how to build this roster and continue to build this club in a way that we want to represent moving forward.
“I think there’s still so much potential and teams always change, that’s a fact, but from the academy all the way up, we need to focus on the infrastructure and maximise the potential of what we can become every day. Now we have an opportunity to do that.”
Leeds hopes of safety next season will also be boosted by the return of striker Patrick Bamford, who missed much of the 2021/22 term through injury.
