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.
1. Ouasim Bouy
Joined in 2017 after leaving Juventus, with some excitement given the club with which he rose through the academy. Signed a four-year deal but failed to make a single appearance and was not given a squad number when Marcelo Bielsa arrived. Left upon the expiry of his contract in 2021. | Getty Images
2. Madger Gomes
Played just two games, both in the EFL Cup, after joining Leeds from Liverpool's academy in 2017. Left less than 12 months later, joining French outfit Sochaux having barely left his mark in West Yorkshire. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe
3. Tommaso Bianchi
Joined as part of an Italian influx under Massimo Cellino's ownership, signing a three-year deal in 2014. Played 26 games before a serious knee injury ended the midfielder's debut campaign. Another knee injury the following summer ended his 2015/16 campaign before it started and he left for Ascoli a year later. | Getty Images
4. Noel Hunt
Spent 18 months at Leeds having left Reading in 2013 with a good goalscoring reputation. Failed to find the net in 22 appearances for the Whites, however, and was released six months before his two-year deal ended in January 2015. | Tony Marshall/Getty Images Photo: Tony Marshall/Getty Images
5. Stuart Taylor
Joined Leeds in 2014 towards the end of his career and despite ambitions at becoming No.1, 1uickly learned he would be behind fellow summer signing Marco Silvestri. Played five games for the Whites during his sole campaign at Elland Road before leaving for Southampton. | Getty Images
6. Lee Erwin
Joined from Motherwell as a promising young striker and after a 28-day loan at Bury, returned to play 12 times across two seasons but failed to score a single goal. Scored a couple in pre-season of 2017 but was offloaded by Thomas Christiansen, returning to Scotland with Kilmarnock. | Getty Images