Jesse Marsch, the former Leeds United manager, is being criticized for his transfer decisions during his time at the club. While he may not have been directly involved in the sales of key players like Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, the signings he made, such as Rasmus Kristensen, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, and Weston McKennie, did not live up to expectations and contributed to Leeds’ relegation in the 2022-2023 season.
One player who left Leeds and is now making a name for himself is striker Max Dean. After leaving Leeds in 2023 to join MK Dons under Mark Jackson, Dean scored an impressive 20 goals in 43 games. This caught the attention of Belgian side Gent, who signed him for £2m in the summer. Dean’s performance has been outstanding, with nine goals in just 20 matches, outshining Joel Piroe’s goal tally.
In a recent match, Dean scored a brace, including a stunning goal where he chested the ball down and volleyed it into the net from 20 yards out. His celebrations, which included a knee slide and kicking the hoardings, show his passion for the game. His goal-scoring record at Gent is impressive, averaging almost one goal every two games.
Despite Leeds having depth in their attack, Dean’s value is rising rapidly as he continues to impress in the Belgian top tier and the Conference League. Three of his nine goals have come in European competitions, further highlighting his talent and potential. This success only adds to the scrutiny on Jesse Marsch’s transfer decisions during his time at Leeds.
Max Dean’s career statistics so far showcase his progress and impact at different clubs. From his time in Leeds’ U18s and U21s to his successful spell at MK Dons and now at Gent, Dean has consistently shown his goal-scoring abilities and determination on the field. His unique celebrations, such as imitating Conor McGregor’s walk, demonstrate his confidence and character as a player.
As Dean continues to shine in Belgium and Europe, Leeds United may come to regret letting him go. His performance highlights the importance of making strategic and successful transfer decisions in football management, a lesson that Jesse Marsch and Leeds are learning the hard way. The rise of Max Dean serves as a reminder of the impact that individual players can have on a team’s success and the value of nurturing and retaining talent within a club.
