As a result, new manager Daniel Farke warned fans of a “rocky start” to the season.
Daniel Farke has warned Leeds fans to buckle up for a ‘bumpy start’ to the season following a summer of upheaval at Elland Road.
The German arrived on a four-year deal but has seen a mass exodus of players with Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Sam Byram — signed yesterday — the only new arrivals so far.
With the Whites’ squad decimated by injuries heading into today’s opener at home to Cardiff, Farke has delivered a blunt assessment.
He said: ‘I don’t want to sugarcoat the situation — I want to speak quite openly and honestly about it.
‘I’m confident and in a good mood, but I know it will be difficult and I also predict a bumpy start.
I don’t think we will be at our best in August because pre-season was too short and we had other distractions with outgoings and not too many incomings so far.
Asked how many faces he would like before the window shuts, ex-Norwich boss Farke, who could give a debut to highly-rated 17-year-old Archie Gray today, added: ‘I can’t give you a number.
‘I know you always want more options and quality, but I don’t believe in big groups of 40 players because that can bring difficulties with unity and togetherness.
‘The quality and personality of the players we bring in is the most important thing — I want lads who are fully committed to Leeds and are willing to defend the shirt.
‘We have to be smart because there are financial restrictions, but I’m confident there’ll be additions
