Daniel Farke to demand January loan return as Leeds have their own Dennis Bergkamp
Leeds United have to back Daniel Farke in the winter transfer window if they have no intention to sack him.
Sean Dyche got the better of Farke at the City Ground on 9 November, leaving the Whites just one point above the relegation zone after their 3-1 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled at Elland Road since his move to the West Yorkshire outfit as a free agent in the summer.
The German manager doesn’t seem to trust Joel Piroe, certainly leaving the Peacocks with a priority to strengthen the number nine position in January.
Joe Gelhardt can make a difference at Leeds United
Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic has compared Joe Gelhardt to Dennis Bergkamp after his heroics this season.
The 23-year-old joined the Tigers on loan in the summer, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in 15 Championship appearances in the current campaign.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Farke look to bring the England Under-21 international back to Elland Road in the coming weeks as the Whites struggle for a reliable goalscorer.
Speaking to Jutarnji on 12 November, Jakirovic said: “I won’t go into the reasons why Leeds gave him up, but I had more than enough information about him before I came to Hull. Gelhardt knows how to score goals without any exaggeration in the style of the legendary Bergkamp.”
Lukas Nmecha has had injury struggles at Elland Road, while Calvert-Lewin’s fitness issues are well known in the Premier League, leaving the German manager short of options up front.
Gelhardt hasn’t been given an opportunity to prove himself at the West Yorkshire outfit by Farke, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll change his mind about the striker.
Daniel Farke set for Christmas heartbreak at Elland Road
Speculation around Farke’s future at Elland Road has been at an all-time high after the loss to Forest.
Leeds seem to be sticking with the former Norwich City boss for now, but things could potentially look bleak in the coming weeks.
| Premier League table | Goal difference | Points |
| 16. Leeds United | -10 | 11 |
| 17. Burnley | -8 | 10 |
| 18. West Ham United | -10 | 10 |
| 19. Nottingham Forest | -10 | 9 |
| 20 Wolves | -18 | 2 |
The Whites face Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in their next four Premier League matches, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see them fail to get any points.
While Farke can be given grace during the demanding spell, he will be expected to do better against Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sunderland before the turn of the year or risk being delivered his P45 in his Christmas stocking.
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