Leeds United remain top of the Championship table but only on goal difference as Sheffield United and Burnley continue to pile the pressure on a side that have won just once in four games.
Had Leeds beaten Portsmouth, many may have pointed to the draws against high-flying West Brom and bogey team QPR as solid results. But the 1-0 loss to Pompey has seen Leeds throw away the points gap.
Fans are increasingly worried that something like last season could happen, end up in the play-offs and then succumb to the pressure. Leeds’ record in the play-offs is absolutely woeful, over the last years.
But promotion remains very much on the cards with a home clash against struggling Swansea City up next after the international break. If promoted, Adam Pope has predicted how many signings will arrive.
Adam Pope identifies which position needs strengthening most
Tony Mowbray said Leeds will have to spend £200m to have a chance of survival in the Premier League and these days, he’s hardly wrong. The three sides promoted last season look set to come back down.
Ipswich have given it a go, but Southampton have been meagre and Leicester’s managerial changes have not worked. Pope told the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast Leeds need as many as six new signings.
Pope thinks that it could cost a few hundred million to fund Leeds pursuit of Premier League safety: “It’s gonna be at least half a dozen players for me, at least half a dozen. I think Tony Mowbray is bang on.
“A few hundred million to have a go, to not be relegated quite early on in the season. Will that amount of money get you six players, especially a striker – that’s definitely what they need. At least, six,” Pope added.
Which positions do Leeds United need to strengthen?
Pope is right, Leeds need some serious strengthening if they are to survive – especially, with the growing trend of promoted teams going back down on the rise. Improvement needed in most areas of the pitch.
As Pope says, the first port of call has got to be signing a striker that can score double digits and they do not come cheap. Replacements for Illan Meslier and Junior Firpo will also need to be high on the agenda.
Cover at centre-back, in central midfield and possibly even two strikers may help. Definitely, a new no.10 with Brenden Aaronson’s form inconsistent and a permanent deal for Manor Solomon, as well.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
