Leeds United’s window came to an end without a new no.10 – failing to get a deal done for Nadiem Amiri. Daniel Farke thinks Cree Summerville is better as a 10, and the switch could help us forget about Amiri.
So, nine signings. Farke brought in competition for Illan Meslier, solved the loss of Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Max Wober with Joe Rodon. Djed Spence and Sam Byram have added depth at full-back.
Midfield needed surgery. Out go Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Adam Forshaw and Marc Roca – in come Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara and Archie Gray is promoted. Joel Piroe comes in up top.
Jaidon Anthony replaces Luis Sinisterra. But a no.10 is missing. Leeds let Brenden Aaronson and Sam Greenwood go on loan, to Union Berlin and Middlesbrough. We wanted to sign an attacking midfielder.
Proof in the form of a bid for Celtic’s Matt O’Riley, and pursuit of Amiri. The Germany star travelled to Yorkshire. With no agreement, Amiri went back to Germany – Leeds forcing him to pay for his own flight.
Missing out on Amiri, given we came close, is a blow. He would have been ideal for us in that 10 role, and clearly, Farke is a big fan of his. Experienced, top-tier quality, goals and assists, capable of utter magic.
Farke thinks Summerville is a 10; Could help us forget about Amiri
But instead, Leeds are without a natural 10. Or, are we? Phil Hay claims that Farke sees Summerville as a no.10. His close control, Dutch upbringing, ability to create and score – it makes him perfect for the role.
Not only that, but Summerville is hardly brilliant when it comes to tracking his full-back. As a 10, he is given more attacking license – getting the best out of him. Using him as a 10 makes him a better player.
So, Farke’s preference to use Summerville as a 10 in a Leeds shirt might be a surprise, but it would help the club – and fans – forget about the dream of having Amiri, playing behind a no.9 in attacking midfield.
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