Daniel Farke provides Leeds United signings quest update and squad desire with August warning

Leeds have another 27 days in which to conclude their summer transfer activity before the deadline of 11pm on Friday, September 1. A major shake-up following the club’s Premier League relegation last term has so far featured a whole host of departures and just the three new arrivals in Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow and Sam Byram.

Six players have exited the club on loan in Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Max Wober as part of a summer that has also seen last season’s top scorer and former record signing Rodrigo sold to Qatar side Al-Rayyan. Released pair Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles have also been amongst the departures along with Tyler Roberts and Alfie McCalmont.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference ahead of Sunday’s Championship opener against visiting Cardiff City, Whites boss Farke admitted he could not rule out further exits before the window closed but declared how Leeds were ultimately aiming to strengthen and not weaken the squad.

Following up on that update in the press conference’s embargo section, Farke gave a long and detailed answer when asked how many more players needed to be signed this summer, revealing his desired squad size and signings musts.

"I can't give you a number,” said Farke. “I am also not just concentrated on September because there are also many points to play for during August and we want to win as many points as possible to bring us into a good position.

"But I don't want to sugarcoat the situation. I also like to speak quite honest and quite open about it. I think you feel that I am confident and in a good mood but I know that it will be difficult and I also predict a bit of a bumpy start.