Leeds United fans are underwhelmed and concerned after the January transfer window slammed shut and the club had failed to make any new signings, come 11pm on Monday.
Leeds fans are right to feel that way. Not least because Sheffield United, Burnley and Sunderland all made some big-name signings during the January transfer window, including Jonjo Shelvey and Tom Cannon.
Leeds fans were left concerned when Sunderland announced the signing of Enzo Le Fee. Ross McCormack thinks Leeds were “caught asleep” with Burnley signing Marcus Edwards, and Jon Newsome agrees.
But the transfer activity of Leeds’ promotion rivals is not the only reason fans are worried. Late September and early October saw Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev suffer long-term injuries in back-to-back games.
Daniel Farke explains Leeds United’s lack of activity in window
So, no new signings despite Farke saying he wanted a striker, no.10 and a centre-back and would stay awake in the search for these positions. But Farke also predicted a quiet window at the start of January.
Speaking in Tuesday’s pre-Coventry press conference, Farke compared Leeds to the likes of Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid – explaining that why add when the club is the best in their league?
“I predicted a quiet window and it turned out to be a very quiet window. We can concentrate on football, now. In general, the main topic was I trust my group. We sit top of the table, 63 points from 30 games.
“I don’t see one reason why we can’t finish top. We have suspense with a reporter outside of the training ground, waiting for breaking news. I’m not a fan. It’s like a stock exchange, I don’t like to do it like this.
“Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, pretty quiet. Bayern Munich? No incomings. Real Madrid in Spain? No incomings. If you don’t have to use January or make late moves, you are in a healthy position.
“It’s not a guarantee – it’s football. You need some luck with injuries, but overall if you don’t have to do much business in the winter after 30 games in the window, it’s normally a good sign. I’m delighted.”
Adam Pope response was perfect after Daniel Farke explanation
Immediately retorting to Farke during Tuesday’s press conference, BBC reporter Adam Pope argued that the reason the likes of Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern had not strengthened was due to strength in depth.
Pope suggested that is lacking at Elland Road. Indeed, just two strikers available after Joe Gelhardt went to Hull on loan and Patrick Bamford suffered an injury setback. No other no.10 behind Brenden Aaronson.
At centre-back, Max Wober’s knee issue seems to flare up after every game and Pascal Struijk has had his injuries. Ethan Ampadu has been forced to drop in, so Leeds lack depth. Leeds now need a bit of luck.
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