Few knew what to expect when Massimo Cellino took control of Leeds United in April 2014 and what followed was nothing short of chaos. In just over three years as majority shareholder, the Italian burned through countless managers, caused more than his fair share of controversy and oversaw an incredibly hit-and-miss transfer strategy.
That strategy took no time coming into play at Leeds, with Cellino’s first summer in charge a busy one of leftfield signings. Some paid off and went on to enjoy great careers in West Yorkshire, while others did not. Some barely enjoyed a career at Elland Road whatsoever.
All in all, Cellino made 17 first-team signings during his first campaign in charge, both in the summer and January windows. Below, the YEP takes a look at where those players ended up.
7. Gaetano Berardi
The undisputed success of Cellino's recruitment from Italian football, joining for a minimal fee from Sampdoria and going on to play 157 games across seven years, winning the Championship title and becoming a cult hero. Even got a couple of Premier League games under his belt before an emotional goodbye in 2021. Retired in 2023 and has since got into coaching, even working as an academy coach at Cellino-owned Brescia. | Getty Images
8. Nicky Ajose
Signed as an exciting young forward from Peterborough but it never worked out for Ajose, who initially impressed Owe Rosler but was left out of the squad and loaned out to Crewe Alexandra. Got some pre-season minutes in 2015 but was then not given a squad number and his contract was terminated by mutual consent. Remained in the EFL until retiring in 2021. Got into coaching and after working in Exeter's academy, the 33-year-old took up a role with Manchester City Women in October last year. Photo: Ker Robertson/Getty Images
9. Billy Sharp
Leeds paid a reported £600,000 for Sharp, who gave Dave Hockaday his first win as boss with a debut winner against Middlesbrough. That was the first of just five goals in 35 games, however, and the striker spent just one season at Leeds before returning to boyhood club Sheffield United. Spent eight more years at Bramall Lane before spells at LA Galaxy and Hull City. The 39-year-old is still going strong and scoring goals for League Two Doncaster Rovers. | Getty Images
10. Marco Silvestri
Divided opinion during his three-year spell at Leeds but certainly proving a capable goalkeeper back home in Italy, where he has been a regular in Serie A for Hellas Verona, Udinese and current club Empoli. Was linked with a move to Crystal Palace last summer, but that never came to anything. Was part of the 'sicknote six'. | Getty Images
11. Mirco Antenucci
Spent two seasons at Elland Road, scoring 19 league goals and earning the nickname 'Fear The Beard' - which he has tattooed on his arm. Was eventually usurped as first-choice striker by Chris Wood and was part of the 'sicknote six'. Returned to Italy in 2016 and still playing for third-tier SPAL, aged 40. | Getty Images
12. Liam Cooper
Another somewhat rare success story from Cellino's first year in charge, with Cooper becoming a modern day legend in the decade since his move from Chesterfield. Captained Leeds to the Championship title and three years in the Premier League, playing 284 times across all competitions. Left following the expiration of his contract last summer, making a surprise move to SCKA Sofia in Bulgaria. | Getty Images