Jesse Marsch: Leeds can be stronger after Raphinha & Kalvin Phillips sales
By Tom Gott
Jesse Marsch has backed Leeds to grow stronger in the wake of selling Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
After surviving a relegation scare last year, Leeds have parted ways with two of their most influential players in Raphinha and Phillips, who have joined Barcelona and Manchester City respectively for close to £100m combined.
That money has almost been completely reinvested in the squad, with Marsch overseeing the arrivals of Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi ahead of his first full season at the helm.
“We know we lost two great players, but that has allowed us to bring in I think six, seven, eight other players that can help us even more precisely play the version of football that we want to play,” Marsch said.
“It was great working with Kalvin and Raphinha, and I’m very thankful for the time that I had with them and the way they committed to everything that we did here.
“But I think we’ll use the situation to make us stronger, I really believe that.”
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Marsch's optimism echoes the recent comments from Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani, who conceded that selling top players is all part of the plan to grow into a global powerhouse further down the line.
Leeds are hopeful of adding more players to their squad before the closure of the window, and sources have confirmed to 90min that talks remain on with Paris Saint-Germain over a deal to sign young striker Arnaud Kalimuendo.