Leeds United’s work in the transfer window means that Daniel Farke has two or more players for most positions in his 4-2-3-1 system, but it blocks any path for any U21 gems to be promoted.
Eight summer signings including Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka have provided Farke with a Leeds squad that not only includes Premier League quality, but plenty of depth in most positions.
Another centre-back and perhaps, a no.10 could have just added the cherry on top of a solid window in which Farke and the Leeds transfer team have been forced to undergo a mini-rebuild of the squad.
But in some positions, there are more than just two players vying to start. Up top, Farke has four options with Patrick Bamford now fit after recovering from a hamstring injury, and Joel Piroe finding some form.
However, that huge depth removes any hope of any U21 talent being promoted to the first team. Luca Thomas is on fire with Scott Gardner’s side, scoring four goals in four games for the Leeds second string.
Luca Thomas deserves Leeds chance as dazzling form continues
The Thorp Arch academy is renowned for creating huge talent, whether that be with players signed from other academies as a teenager or creating their own homegrown stars like £40m Spurs star Archie Gray.
Thomas, 20, was signed from Man City in 2021. While always deemed an exciting talent after 23 goals in 32 games with the U18’s, it is this season that Thomas is starting to show first-team credentials.
Four goals in four games with the 21’s is impressive and that kind of form will not go unnoticed. Farke included Thomas in Leeds’ trip to Germany in the summer, and will be well aware of his goal streak.
Joe Gelhardt should be sold to create Leeds pathway for Thomas
While the 21’s were beaten 4-1 by Wolves on Monday, it saw Thomas net his fourth from four games and Leeds have a decision to make. Reports say that Leeds will allow Thomas to go out on loan in January.
But his form is deserving of a first-team chance. If that is to happen, Leeds need to create a path into the first team for Thomas and in order to do so, one of the current four strikers in Farke’s side should be sold.
Farke’s Leeds pecking order up top:
- Mateo Joseph
- Joel Piroe
- Patrick Bamford
- Joe Gelhardt
- Luca Thomas – yet to win senior call-up.
Joe Gelhardt was cut from the Leeds squad on Saturday by Farke, after Gelhardt chose to remain at Leeds because of his wages. The youngster is fourth choice and right now, has little chance of getting a start.
He needs a move for the good of his career. While Alan Shearer may have described Gelhardt as “magic” on Match of the Day in 2022, his presence is blocking a path for Thomas into the first team. In January, Leeds and Gelhardt should agree a move to give Thomas a chance.
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