Neil Lennon gives ‘not sure’ verdict on Leeds United’s promotion hopes this season
Neil Lennon has suggested that Leeds United may not achieve automatic promotion in this Championship season while speaking as a pundit on Sky Sports News.
Lennon was asked among other pundits for his opinion on whether Leeds could reach automatic promotion amid competition from Southampton and Leicester following the trio’s relegation from the Premier League last season and revealed he was unsure about the Whites specifically out of those three.
He shared his view that Leicester and Southampton have strong enough squads to see them “easily” reach promotion in the coming season, while he questioned Daniel Farke’s men for the coming season.
Speaking on Sky Sports‘ Soccer Saturday season preview [5 August, 14:15], Lennon revealed: “Not sure on Leeds, I don’t know if Farke has the full squad he would’ve wanted,” suggesting that Leeds may need to do more transfer business before they can really push for automatic promotion.
“These three [relegated teams: Leeds, Leicester and Southampton] will be in the top 6 come the end of the season.”
Lennon is right, new players are still needed
Leeds will be looking to sign new players before the transfer window closes on 1 September, and Lennon’s claims that Farke will want a stronger squad are not without reason.
As things stand, Leeds have only one fit striker for their season opener against Cardiff City, with Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph all picking up injuries in pre-season with as-of-yet undetermined return dates, so the club will need to invest in forwards.
At the back, Leeds lack depth, with Luke Ayling, who is naturally a right-back, likely to be asked to fill in if either Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk or Charlie Cresswell pick up an injury. Ethan Ampadu could also fill in, but he has made it clear he intends to play in midfield this season.
Leicester and Southampton in particular seem to have very strong squads, having retained key parts of their Premier League teams, although further transfer movement could still see them weakened, which would be a boost for Leeds.
This is certainly something to watch as the deadline gets closer.
In other Leeds United news, the club have been left embarrassed in the transfer market by rival’s deals.