Daniel Farke shares immediate Leeds transfer update as Lukas Nmecha struck by injury out of nowhere
Daniel Farke will be hoping for more Leeds United transfer activity before the end of the window.
The Whites host Arsenal on Saturday, as it looks unlikely that Farke will have any new signings in time for the clash.
Leeds have signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton, but are still looking at bringing in a striker.
The 49ers have failed in their attempts to land Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, with the number nine now headed for Crystal Palace in a £50m package deal.
However, Farke may have a decision to make on the Whites’ striker situation with Lukas Nmecha‘s new injury problem cropping up ahead of the showdown against the Gunners.
Lukas Nmecha to miss Arsenal game as Daniel Farke offers transfer stance
Nmecha was sidelined for the entire game in Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Everton last time out in the Premier League, despite the Whites needing a goal late on in the match.
The German has only recently returned from injury, but could now be set for further time out due to a hamstring issue.
| Games | 21 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Fee | £0 |
Speaking before the clash at Elland Road this weekend, Farke offered a squad update on injured players, confirming Nmecha’s problem.
Farke said, as quoted by Beren Cross on X: “Jaka [Bijol] will definitely miss Arsenal. Progressing, hope to have him back on the other side of Nottingham. Small chance he makes that game. Will also miss Nmecha. Problem with the hamstring at Everton in warm-up. Which is why I didn’t bring him on.”
The Leeds boss also added: “Injuries don’t impact transfer plans before Monday.”
But given the Whites were after Strand Larsen even before Nmecha suffered another injury setback, Farke may just be downplaying the importance of a new centre-forward.
What Farke can take into Arsenal game from recent exploits
Leeds‘ draw with Everton once again proved Farke’s capability to change things up for the Whites.
The German head coach went for Brenden Aaronson and Anton Stach as the 10’s behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin op top, as Leeds looked a real threat in the first ever visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
| Minutes played | 85 |
| Big chances created | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
Stach, in particular, thrived in an advanced role and showed that Farke doesn’t necessarily have to play with two out-and-out strikers.
Recent transfer activity has suggested that Leeds do want a new number nine, but the game against Arsenal could be another chance to test the Whites’ ability when performing in a one-striker formation.
Time will tell, but if what Farke is saying is true about transfers, then the 49ers could come under severe fire once again for poor judgment, if things don’t continue to work out.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.