Back in the summer of 2020, Daniel Farke was preparing a Norwich City side that could win promotion for the second time from the Championship – and the now-Leeds United boss achieved just that.
But Farke only lasted 11 games into the 2021-22 season after gaining promotion for the second time as Norwich manager. The German was sacked after losing eight of his first 11 games, winning only once.
There are many reasons why Farke struggled at Norwich in the Premier League. A lack of funding given to bridge the gap between Championship and Premier League, injuries seeing Farke lack strength in depth.
But another part of it was that Farke was unable to keep one of his best midfielders during promotion in 2019-20. A player that started 44 of 46 Championship games that season, as Farke’s side won the title.
Leeds now have best chance to sign Farke’s old midfield general
Arguably, the Norwich that began the Premier League season were a worse side than the one that had just won the Championship title. That was because Tottenham chose to keep Oliver Skipp at Spurs.
He had just starred for Norwich, proving to be crucial in midfield. But that form convinced Spurs to keep him and Norwich suffered for it. After Farke’s arrival at Leeds, Phil Hay said Farke would love to sign Skipp.
Indeed, Farke described Skipp as the “perfect signing” during his loan at Norwich. A move to Leeds has never come to fruition and since Farke’s interest in him at Leeds, Skipp joined Leicester for £25m in 2024.
With Leicester relegated, Leeds going up and The Whites requiring a bit of physicality in midfield, there is surely some interest from Farke in the England U21 star. Skipp has only played rotationally at Leicester.
Why Oliver Skipp should be high on Farke’s summer shortlist
Leeds need strength in midfield. Ao Tanaka has been backed to shine in the Premier League, but some at Leeds have concerns regarding Tanaka’s physicality in the top tier and Skipp would cover that specificity.
Farke knows him, Farke loves him, Farke needs a midfielder like him. Skipp would surely be tempted with a move not simply because Leicester have gone down and Leeds have gone up – but because it is Farke.
Arguably the best form of his career has come under Farke. Having cost Leicester £25m 12 months ago and only played a rotational role in a relegated midfield, Skipp could be available for a cheaper figure.
If Farke has a list of midfielders he is going to put to Adam Underwood, Alex Davies and The 49ers, then surely Skipp will be high on that list. He could be the underrated, workaholic signing that Leeds need.
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