Daniel Farke backed to enter January transfer market after Leeds United defensive injuries if 49ers let him
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Paul Robinson believes that Leeds United have a strong enough squad to not require defensive reinforcements in January, but admits Daniel Farke will go into the market if he’s given the chance.
The Elland Road boss has had to contend with injury issues to regular starters Pascal Struijk and Sam Byram in recent weeks, with captain Liam Cooper also hampered at times and both Djed Spence and Junior Firpo only just back in the squad after long-term absences.
Robinson is very impressed with the growth shown by Struijk this season and has pointed to strength in depth provided by veterans like Cooper and Luke Ayling, but is equally convinced that if the 49ers give Farke money to spend he will look to use it.
The former Whites and England keeper exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “Pascal Struijk’s done really well this year. He’s been given the captain’s armband and I think you can see what the manager thinks of him, he’s been an integral part of his plans and what he’s done this year.
“Whether he goes into the transfer market [or not], with [Liam] Cooper getting back fit again he’s certainly got the squad to cope with injuries. I look at the squad and I think it’s strong enough to get out of that Championship with what they’ve got, without having to go too heavy in January.
“I think they’ve proven that already with Luke Ayling on the bench, Liam Cooper on the bench, the players they’ve got available to the manager. Yes they’ve had injuries, yes it’s been hard and the games coming up and injuries they’re going to have.
“I honestly think they’ve got enough to cope without going into the market, but if a manager’s able to a manager will do, that’s what managers do. If he’s given the opportunity to go into the market he will do.”
Robinson has tipped Firpo to suit the Championship after being “found out” at Premier League level, but with the former Barcelona man and the returning Byram both carrying worrying injury records the biggest question mark looks to be on the left of the back line.
In his first start of the season at Rotherham United Firpo was called as a “massive, massive worry” by BBC Leeds’ Adam Pope, while the defence has looked far shakier when the central partnership of Struijk and Rodon is broken up.
Charlie Cresswell has perhaps got a strong argument to be given more of an opportunity in such instances, but if he leaves in January after so little playing time it might leave Farke short of injury cover at more than one defensive position and with the 49ers tipped to “flex their muscles” in the New Year additions can’t be ruled out.
In other Leeds United news, Pope believes the Whites have got a solid claim against Everton after their Premier League points deduction.