Leeds new striker signing: Major update emerges after Bamford development
Leeds United are not planning on pursing a move for a new striker despite Patrick Bamford’s latest injury setback, Daniel Farke has said.
The Athletic journalist Beren Cross posted on X (9 January) live from Farke’s press conference ahead of United’s FA Cup tie with Harrogate on Saturday, in which he gave updates of Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.
With Bamford picking up a hamstring injury before the Whites’ last match against Hull City, Gelhardt’s loan move to Hull could stall despite Farke’s plan to rely on Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Willy Gnonto.
Cross said: “Bamford’s recovery will be assessed before a decision is made on Gelhardt. Farke seems to suggest loans out will be considered.
“Talks up Piroe and Joseph as his established options, as well as Gnonto. No suggestion a new striker will be pursued this month.”
Leeds United to pay the price for lack of January transfer ambition
Farke’s update won’t surprise Peacocks fans in the slightest, given that United have an embarrasment of riches on paper when it comes to strikers, but football matches, and promotion, aren’t won on paper.
Bamford potentially being injured for the entire January transfer window not only leaves Gelhardt in limbo with regards to his own short-term future, but could also leave the Whites desperately short up front.
Piroe and Joseph have akready been relied on to a huge extent this season, and with the latter not quite being the sharp-shooting finisher Leeds thought they had in pre-season, additions could be needed.
Plucking someone like Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough this month could prove to be the signing which guarantees promotion, but Farke and the club instead seem keen to leave the door open.
The German’s calmness about the situation is understandable with his side sat top of the Championship by a point, but reinforcements up front could have them a mile clear of the chasing pack already.
In other Leeds news, Thorp Arch sources have called selling one of the club’s star players last summer a “blessing in disguise”.
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