Leeds United are coming towards the halfway point of their Premier League return and thus far, it would be safe to say their gamble on two free agents has paid off. Lukas Nmecha has impressed with four goals but it’s his strike partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has really shone in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old, who left Everton in the summer with questions over his fitness, hasn’t missed a game since making his Premier League debut in August and a red-hot run of form has seen him bag six goals in his last five appearances. A continuation of this form would see him go down as one of Leeds’ best free transfers in recent history - but possibly not the standout.
As is to be expected, Leeds’ hit-rate in the free agent market has been mixed but while there have been plenty of flops, some huge fan favourites were signed for absolutely nothing. Below, the YEP has attempted to rank the last 18 players to arrive in West Yorkshire for free, as per Transfermarkt, with the in-form Calvert-Lewin kept off top-spot by a club legend.
7. Joel Robles
Signed a one-year contract in August 2022 as back-up to Illan Meslier, eventually replacing the Frenchman later in the season under Sam Allardyce. Failed to keep the goals out, however, and his deal was not extended following relegation. | Getty Images
8. Vurnon Anita
Joined Leeds in 2017 with relatively high expectations, given he had over 100 appearances for each of Ajax and Newcastle United beforehand. Played just 22 games in his sole campaign at Elland Road, however, before a season on loan and his permanent exit by mutual consent in September 2019. | Getty Images
9. Andrew Lonergan
Returned to Leeds United for a second spell in the 2017/18 season, having previously spent the 2011/12 campaign at Elland Road. Played nine times across all competitions but was deemed surplus to requirements by Bielsa in 2018, joining Middlesbrough. | Alex Livesey/Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey/Getty Images
10. Kiko Casilla
Arrived with great fanfare in January 2019 as a former Real Madrid goalkeeper, playing 61 times for Leeds across three seasons, even making three Premier League appearances. Made plenty of mistakes, however, and was dropped heading towards promotion under Bielsa in 2020. Was also banned for eight games in 2020 after being found guilty of racially abusing Charlton Athletic's Jonathan Leko, which he denied. Photo: Pool
11. Ian Poveda
Joined Leeds from Manchester City in 2020, having shown plenty of potential across the Pennines. Played a handful of games in the 2019/20 promotion campaign and made 14 Premier League appearances. A fringe player during Daniel Farke's first season in charge, however, with a series of loans before his exit last year. Photo: George Wood/Getty Images
12. Rob Green
The former England international joined Leeds after leaving QPR in 2016, signing a one-year deal and playing all 46 Championship games. Impressed enough to earn another 12-month deal but dropped behind Felix Wiedwald in the pecking order and left that same summer, joining Huddersfield Town. | Getty Images