Former EFL striker ‘surprised’ at brave decision the 49ers have made at Leeds United

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With 16 league games remaining in their season, Leeds United are well-positioned for a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Leeds are on a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions, having last tasted defeat against Blackburn Rovers in late November last year.

Daniel Farke’s side are set to face Coventry City on Wednesday night, with the game coming just days after Leeds thrashed Cardiff 7-0, their biggest margin of victory in five decades.

All is going well for the Whites, which was no doubt a leading factor as to why they made no additions to their squad in the winter transfer window.

Reports suggested that Leeds liked Cameron Archer, but were unable to reach an agreement with Southampton over a deal.

Leeds were keen on Adam Armstrong too, Archer’s teammate on the south coast, but the forward went on to join West Bromwich Albion on a loan deal late in the window.

Whether United’s business, or lack thereof, comes back to bite them remains to be seen, but not everybody is convinced that deciding to make no signings was such a good idea.

EFL Pundit Sam Parkin stunned by lack of incomings at Leeds United

There was discussion amongst fans throughout January about potential signings, with many feeling that Leeds pursuing a number 10 to provide cover for Brenden Aaronson would have been smart.

Farke, though, was and remains confident that his squad have all they need to get over the line. The decision has been a cause for concern to others, such as former English Football League striker Sam Parkin.

Parkin, who is now an EFL pundit, was slightly confused that Leeds made no additions in January. Speaking on the Championship Check In Podcast, Parkin stated:

“I think when there is a transfer window in the middle of the season, despite Leeds’ lofty position, [I am] still a little bit surprised this morning that they have not done one or two bits of business.

“Yes, they have got one of the strongest squads in the division, so Daniel Farke will know better than me the nick of the squad, how the depth is looking and obviously in the aftermath of that win [against Cardiff City] maybe did not see the necessity.

“Still a little bit surprised; that would be my overriding feeling.”

Will a lack of signings come back to bite Leeds?

It is easy to view a window in which no players were bought as concerning. Should a player go down with injury, for example, then Leeds have missed a prime opportunity to have drafted in reinforcements.

By that same token, however, it would have been viewed as nonsensical if Leeds made a signing, only for no injuries to occur and for that signing to receive no minutes.

United have already traversed an injury crisis this season, when both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev picked up long-term injuries within days of each other.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	LeedsLeeds	30	18	9	3	60	19	41	63
2	BurnleyBurnley	31	16	13	2	37	9	28	61
3	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	30	19	6	5	41	21	20	61
4	SunderlandSunderland	30	16	10	4	45	26	19	58
5	BlackburnBlackburn	31	13	6	12	35	31	4	45
6	West BromWest Brom	30	10	14	6	39	27	12	44

This crisis was navigated well by Leeds, with Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell emerging as brilliant options in the aforementioned duo’s place.

United have a squad with more than enough strength to get promoted, which remains the aim. Should that happen, then chances are that any negative thoughts about the recent January window will be swiftly forgotten.