Robbie Keane made an impressive start at Elland Road scoring nine goals in 14 starts for the club after joining the Whites initially on a half season loan from Inter Milan. That move became permanent thanks to a £12 million deal in May 2001 which made him David O’Leary’s second biggest signing after Rio Ferdinand. The following season proved not so bright, and Keane found himself dropping down the pecking order. He only managed nine goals in 33 appearances, three of them coming in a 6-0 League Cup win at Leicester City in October 2001. When Leeds sunk deeper into debt and were forced to sell players Keane joined the exodus after being sold to Tottenham Hotspur just before the 2002/03 transfer deadline for a fee of £7 million. READ MORE: 16 of the most iconic Leeds United photos of all time
1. Robbie Keane in focus
Robbie Keane fires home from the penalty spot on New Year's Day in 2001 to rescue a point for the Whites against Middlesbrough at Elland Road.
Photo: Varley Picture Agency
2. Robbie Keane in focus
Robbie Keane gets the better of Manchester City goalkeeper Nicky Weaver to score during the Premiership clash at Maine Road in January 2001. He bagged a brace as Leeds won 4-0.
Photo: Mark Bickerdike
3. Robbie Keane in focus
Robbie Keane celebrates scoring the only goal of the game against Coventry City at Elland Road in January 2001.
Photo: Varley Picture Agency
4. Robbie Keane in focus
Robbie Keane celebrates scoring Ipswich Town goalkeeper Richard Wright during the Premiership clash at Portman Road in February 2001. Leeds won 2-1.
Photo: Getty