While Luis Sinisterra made headlines, Leeds United’s signing of Jaidon Anthony flew under the radar on deadline day.
Anthony was signed on a temporary basis by Leeds as part of the transaction that brought Sinisterra to AFC Bournemouth.
Although attacking players with top-flight experience were moved, the deal was not a like-for-like swap.
They are only 18 months apart in age, yet their careers have taken drastically different roads.
Anthony hasn’t lit up European tournaments as Sinisterra has, nor does he have the same dancing feet that landed the Colombian as Raphinha’s heir.
However, the way Anthony’s former head coaches have spoken about him implies that Whites boss Daniel Farke may be sitting on a hidden gem.
Scott Parker, who was heavily linked with the Leeds position over the summer, was the man who gave Anthony his first league start for Bournemouth.
Parker lavished admiration on a player he claims goes “under the radar” in a March 2022 interview on the official Cherries website.
“Jaidon Anthony is a player who flies under the radar a lot, and what he does for this team is nothing short of incredible at times,” he remarked.
“We see his qualities in possession, his calmness, his silkiness when he makes good decisions, but what goes unnoticed is his defensive side, what he brings to this team.”
“I thought he exemplified everything we stood for today.” Jaidon was fantastic, and I was extremely happy with him.”
Gary O’Neil, Parker‘s successor, was also a fan. According to Dorset Live, O’Neil stated earlier this year, “I love Jaidon.” I enjoy collaborating with him. I believe you’ve seen great indicators of improvement from him in his work and what we do with him in the last two weeks.
“He is always looking for extra work.” We spend a lot of time on the grass with him, the instructors and I, trying to improve his talents and add to his abilities.
“Every day, I witness Jaidon and his performances. Every day, I get to talk to him and find out where he is. He’s an excellent member of the team, always striving to do things correctly. He has a strong sense of teamwork.
“He’s always willing to work, and he always puts the team ahead of himself.”
Anthony has not joined Leeds after being rejected by new Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola. The 23-year-old appeared in all three of the club’s opening Premier League games, as well as the Carabao Cup win over Swansea City.
If Leeds’ next signing can impress Farke as much as Parker and O’Neil, deadline day may be remembered with gratitude rather than frustration.
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