Daniel Farke shares ‘honest’ Leeds United transfer update after Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter injury blows
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has spoken out on the club’s transfer plans following the injuries to Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter.
Both strikers were taken off during the pre-season clash with Scottish side Hearts on Sunday (30 July), which the Whites won 1-0.
Following the victory, Farke has stated that the club’s transfer plans have not been impacted by the injuries to the attacking duo.
Asked if the injuries have increased the club’s needs to bring in new attackers, Farke said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post: “No because I don’t think it will affect our transfer plans anyhow because I don’t think it’s unbelievable long term injuries.
“It’s not like an ACL or something like this where you’re a month out so we hope that’s not too long.
“It could obviously affect the first game, let’s be honest and this is also what the Championship is all about. You play every three days. And if you miss two or three weeks anyhow then it could be quite quick – four or five games – so we hope for the best right now. In general, this type of injury happens in football sadly and we have to accept it.”
Worrying times
The best-case scenario for Leeds fans and of course Farke is that the injuries are not too severe, with either Bamford or Rutter – or indeed both – able to recover in time for the league opener against Cardiff.
That does, however, seem very unlikely, leaving the new manager with a real lack of options in the final third.
It may just be a boost for youngsters Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt, who could be thrown into the deep end against the Bluebirds.
A player like Rodrigo would have been perfect, but the star striker has, of course, left Elland Road in search of a new challenge.
Farke still has time to delve into the market for a new forward, but his latest comments suggest that he will use what is available to him as he waits for the return of Bamford and Rutter.
Still, it’s a worrying time to be a Leeds fan, with scoring goals having been a real issue in the Premier League last season, along with the defensive struggles.
In other Leeds United news, Sam Allardyce has shared what must “change dramatically” for the Whites to be promoted next season.