Fabrizio Romano reveals Leeds Utd medical today for shock late window signing; Phil Hay explains why Sinisterra sale was necessary
Leeds United signed Jaidon Anthony late in the transfer window with the winger making the move to Bournemouth in return to Luis Sinisterra – but the deal for the 12-goal star remains subject to a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Whites completed an astonishing summer window at Elland Road with another bonkers deadline day. After the exits of several of last season’s squad – many of whom departed on loan – Leeds boss Daniel Farke explained his optimism on Friday lunchtime that Leeds could survive deadline day without any more key departures.
However, a matter of minutes after his press conference had concluded, news broke that star Colombian winger Sinisterra was heading to Bournemouth for a medical.
Many fans saw the former Feyenoord man as a key figure in Leeds’ quest to secure promotion back to the Premier League. As such, his departure, on a season’s loan to Bournemouth, will be seen by plenty as a significant blow.
However, Leeds were determined not to weaken their hand too much and only sanctioned the sale after asking Bournemouth for their winger Anthony in return.
The 23-year-old – a product of the Arsenal academy – moves to West Yorkshire on a season-long loan deal.
While the paperwork on his signing, and the departure of Sinisterra to the Vitality Stadium, just about beat the 11pm deadline, it was not until around 11.30pm that confirmation of the deal materialised.
However, it has now emerged that Leeds have signed off on the deal to sign Anthony without a medical having been done. The player was in the hotel with the rest of his Cherries teammates preparing for Saturday’s match at Brentford when news of Leeds’ interest broke.
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Jaidon Anthony and Luis Sinisterra Leeds deals explained
And while the right-footed left winger was happy to make the move, Leeds have sealed his signing without time to put him through the routine fitness tests.
As such, trusted journalist Romano has revealed that Anthony will travel to West Yorkshire to undergo these later today. If all goes to plan, though, Leeds will push through his signing as planned and the player could watch from the stands the club’s Yorkshire derby against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road.
Romano said on X: “Jaidon Anthony will travel to Leeds later today after documents signed before the close of the window.
“Season long loan from Bournemouth, sealed in the final hours.”
As for Sinisterra, it remains to be seen if he will ever kick a ball for Leeds United again.
Supporters are pretty unforgiving once a player makes clear his wish to leave and it remains to be seen what will happen next summer if Leeds do find themselves back in the Premier League.
His move to Bournemouth was sanctioned despite a release clause in his contract apparently expiringin mid-August.
And according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds were concerned that obstructing his departure could result in another protracted court case. After blocking an attempt by Nice to sign the player before his clause expired, there appeared a danger that Sinisterra and his representative could have taken Leeds to task.
Ultimately, and having been stung by a costly court case saga involving Jean-Kevin Augustin that concluded in Leeds having to pay £24.5m having been in breach of the transfer conditions, Leeds felt obliged to let Sinisterra make his move.
Lessons, however, have been learned by Leeds going forwards with boss Daniel Farke making it clear that no player on his watch will be allowed to sign with such release clauses in their deals
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