This week, Leeds United Chief Executive Robbie Evans was interviewed by several media outlets, including The Athletic, at the club's training ground.

He discussed various topics, including the summer transfer window, the squad's Squad Cost Rule (SCR) position, late-window activity, transfer targets that fell through, and the future of manager Daniel Farke.

Below are some of his answers from Thursday's interview.

How successful has this transfer window been?

Last year we said, "good transfer window, but a terrible final day." I'd say this summer we've had both a good transfer window and a great final day.

Our primary task was to complete some of our biggest targets early, including a left-sided centre-back, a right-winger, and a goalkeeper. We got all of those done early. After signing those priority targets for these three positions, we were then able to continue strengthening other areas to make the squad better and stronger.

We're very pleased with this window. However, I'm slightly concerned that supporters might be too pleased and optimistic now, because I don't think the situation when last summer's window closed was as bad as some people thought. The real test of this summer will only be seen a year from now.

We're very satisfied now, and I'm proud of the team's work throughout the summer. Director of Football Adam Underwood and Daniel have worked really well together every day, and they've done an excellent job.

Have all other positions been strengthened beyond the main targets?

We've filled all the important positions. There's always discussion about the level of squad depth required. I'd say the biggest concern externally right now is probably a fourth full-back or a third striker.

On these matters, our ongoing collaboration with Daniel is crucial. Ultimately, we've strengthened the positions we felt genuinely needed strengthening, while also considering squad balance, player character, and long-term financial investment.

How close were you to signing a third striker?

This summer, we weren't looking to bring in a striker to compete with or even replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin. This wasn't a summer to bring in a "number nine".

We only needed a backup striker, and that role is genuinely very difficult to find. Because you need someone who fits multiple criteria: right character, right fit for the team, right price, and willing to accept a backup role.

If a player joins expecting to be a starter but ultimately isn't, he can become a dressing room problem.

The number of players who can genuinely play in the Premier League, are willing to compete for a spot or accept a backup role, and also fit our long-term financial plan, is very small.

Even some of the names circulated in the media wouldn't be willing to accept such a role. We won't sign someone just to sign them, only for them to be unhappy from day one.

So whether it's a left-back, an additional winger, or a striker, these positions are difficult to manage, which is why we've kept the door open for signings in these areas. Ultimately, we believe the current squad provides a good solution.

You initially expected to invest more in attack, so why did you end up strengthening defence instead?

At the start of summer, we expected to do more work in attacking areas. At that time, we also hoped Pascal Struijk would stay, but ultimately he wanted to leave—that's another matter.

Meanwhile, we also realised that signing James Trafford would be very difficult. If we could sign him, the allocation of our entire summer transfer budget would naturally change.

For the left-winger position, we also missed some targets, with Julian Brandt's situation widely reported. The final make-up depends on which players are available on the market and who genuinely suits us.

By late summer, our target list for wingers, approved by both Daniel and the sports department, was very limited. We signed our priority right-winger Harry Wilson early, and then brought in promising left-winger Jean-Matteo Bahoya.

The most likely scenario was always to sign two wingers. We knew we could bring in another striker, but given the difficulties mentioned earlier, completing three signings simultaneously wasn't realistic.

Ultimately, we signed two wingers, replaced Struijk with Tarik Muharemovic, brought in Trafford, and then made other reinforcements around these players.

What are the conditions that could trigger a permanent transfer for Bahoya?

I won't disclose his specific trigger clauses.

But for us, what matters is that we view him as a player who can play for Leeds United in the Premier League long-term. Daniel's goal is to coach him every day as a long-term squad member, give him opportunities, and help him develop.

If things go well, he'll become a player we want to keep at the club long-term, whether that's through activating a mandatory purchase clause or through a purchase option we choose to exercise.

What's the situation with Baah's purchase option?

His contract doesn't include a mandatory purchase clause, but the principle is the same.

If you can find players you believe are good enough for the Premier League and their actual performances could exceed their expected price, you want to keep them at the club.

How much did Rodon's injury contribute to signing Baah?

We discussed the left-back position during the mid-season break, but Joe's two-month absence certainly influenced our decision.

One solution for this position would be to have James Justin take on those duties. So it wasn't the only factor, but it did have an impact. I'd say after that point, our priorities for various targets shifted somewhat.

Last year you described Calvert-Lewin as a £20 million investment. How do you rate Harry Wilson's free transfer signing?

I don't want to discuss specific financial equivalents, because even saying that last year was somewhat exaggerated.

But in terms of player quality, I think despite Harry being nearly 30, he's still a player worth millions of pounds.

We finished below Fulham last season, and now we've signed their Player of the Year for free. It's hard to say that's not good business, especially considering how much we emphasise set pieces and the need for a left-footed player on the right wing.

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