Farke can’t ‘wait in the wings’, Leeds United transfer issue needs sorting now
Leeds United will be very pleased with where they are at this point in the season, sitting a point clear at the top of the Championship.
However, there is plenty of football left to be played and therefore all eyes are on the clubs at the top of the league to see the additions they make during the winter transfer window.
Daniel Farke has repeatedly said that he expects the window to be a fairly quiet one for his side and at this point, there has been more movement out of Elland Road than arrivals.
Joe Gelhardt joined Hull City on loan for the remainder after playing just nine minutes of football for Farke so far this term.
However, Adam Pope has been left questioning this decision as he wrote on BBC Sport: “It leaves United light in the striker department although Farke insists the club ‘will stay awake’ while reiterating he expects ‘a quiet window’.
“Goals are coming from elsewhere in Brenden Aaronson and the wide men but, for some, there is a feeling Leeds could be caught waiting in the wings with promotion in sight.”
Daniel Farke can’t afford to be slow on striker additions at Leeds United
Sanctioning the exit of Gelhardt was an understandable decision from the German given he has had very limited minutes this term and he needs game time in order to develop his stalling career.
Furthermore, with two-and-a-half-years left on his contract, he has time to come back to Elland Road and contribute to their efforts in years to come.
However, his departure does leave the Whites very light and while the boss may not want to rock the boat too much ahead of the second half of the campaign, if he is too relaxed in proceedings, his side could easily find themselves lacking.
Patrick Bamford is struggling with injury although even at full fitness, is not an option that Farke wishes to use predominantly at this stage.
Therefore, while there are goals from elsewhere in the squad, the boss has to add a proper striker to his ranks as Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph are underperforming for a side that is seeking promotion to the top flight.
Waiting too long to act could potentially be the difference between automatic promotion and a play-off campaign for Leeds which means it’s vital for Farke to take a proactive approach to adding to his side.
In other Leeds news, Tony Mowbray has revealed the kind gestures made by Elland Road officials after his cancer diagnosis.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.