“They were naive” – Former England and Spurs star knocks Leeds for failing to sign Super Eagles attacker

The Peacocks look set to struggle during the 2022-23 campaign as they did for a large chunk of last season

Former England goalkeeper has slammed hard on Leeds United for failing to go all in for Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho before the close of the transfer window.

A miserable summer saw Leeds lose key attacking figures Raphina and Daniel James to Barcelona and Fulham, respectively, without bringing in quality reinforcements.

Only 18-year-old Italian striker Wilfried Gnonto arrived from FC Zurich in a late scramble on deadline day. The youngster is yet to make his EPL debut six games into the season.

Reports suggest that Leeds were also interested in Nigeria international Kelechi Iheanacho on that day.

But nothing came out of that interest, with Leeds now stuck with only two recognised strikers in Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo – and a couple of youngsters – at least until January.

Former Tottenham Hotspurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson is not pleased with Leeds’s transfer dealings.

And the 42-year-old Leeds academy product is convinced his former side will regret not pulling all the stops to get Iheanacho from Leicester.

“I think they were naive going into the rest of the season,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.

“If Patrick is fit, he plays, but looking behind that, maybe his (head coach Jesse Marsch’s) hand was drawn to play Gelhardt. He’s going until January now with someone whose fitness is touch and go, and young strikers that the manager doesn’t trust 100%.

“Iheanacho would be a great player, a very similar option to Bamford. He can lead from the line and press from the front, Jesse Marsch likes his team to start high up the field and he (Iheanacho) would be good for that.”

Leeds United barely escaped relegation last season, finishing 17th of 20 teams.

The Peacocks won two and drew one of their first three league games this term with Bamford in the starting lineup.

But with the Englishman struggling for fitness of late, Jesse Marsch’s men have lost two of the last three matches.