Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has admitted that doubts over two of his new signings mean that the club have to remain “awake and aware” in the transfer market.
After a summer of frustration in the transfer market, Dominic Calvert-Lewin became the latest player to join the club ahead of their Premier League return.
Calvert-Lewin has signed a three-year deal at Elland Road and is available to play in Leeds’ season opener against Everton.
Leeds have now signed eight players this summer, having built from back to front in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Lucas Perri, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson arriving to reinforce Leeds’ back five before shifting attention to bolstering in attack.
However, Farke has admitted that the club has not ruled out moving in the transfer window again, as doubts persist over the durability of his options in attack.
Daniel Farke admits Leeds United could still sign another striker
Speaking in his weekly press conference ahead of Leeds’ clash with Everton, and shortly before the deal for Calvert-Lewis was announced, Daniel Farke admitted the club still have an eye on the market for a striker.
According to the Leeds boss, lingering doubts over Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha’s fitness record mean that Leeds could still dip into the transfer market if the right opportunity presents itself.
Farke said: “I wouldn’t rule out another striker signing, because you always have to be awake till the last second of this transfer window if there is an opportunity.
“Obviously, there are a few doubts also due to the injury record of Dominic, and Lukas also had a few problems in the past. So for that, I wouldn’t rule it out. But right now, the focus is also perhaps on other positions.
“In general, we definitely need more quality up front and more options up front. We have lost one of our stand-out offensive players with Manor Solomon, in comparison to last season. So, especially in this position, we have to stay awake and aware.”
Daniel Farke needs depth in wide positions
Whilst Calvert-Lewin’s arrival helps plug one gap in Daniel Farke’s squad, Leeds still have work to do on the wings as time runs down in the transfer window.
As Farke hinted, Leeds are one winger lighter after former loanee Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham following the end of his loan spell last season. Solomon has been linked with a return to Leeds this summer, but no move has materialised.
Leeds United’s wing options:
- Daniel James
- Wilfred Gnonto
- Jack Harrison
- Largie Ramazani
- Brenden Aaronson
After missing out on Igor Paixao, Leeds currently have five senior wingers available, which includes the inconsistent Brenden Aaronson and the returning Jack Harrison, who has a tense relationship with the Leeds fan base as things stand.
With links persisting to AC Milan’s Noah Okafor, Leeds are clearly in the market to strengthen this key area of the squad. Calvert-Lewin feeds off good service. Farke needs another option on the wing to provide this.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
