Daniel Farke has hinted at a potential move for a free agent to ease his midfield woes at Leeds United after injuries to both Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev in the last couple of weeks.
Ampadu was forced off the field of play just before half-time in the 3-0 win over Coventry. He suffered damage to his lateral knee ligament and will be out for 10 weeks, unlikely to play again until the new year.
Meanwhile, Gruev limped off in the 1-1 draw against Norwich and has since undergone surgery on his meniscus. He is the third Leeds player to have an op this season, after Max Wober and Diogo Monteiro.
It leaves Leeds incredibly light in midfield. They are left with just Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka as senior options until Gruev and Ampadu are back, with Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers bringing up the rear.
It may be then, that Farke turns to the free agent market to install some defensive nous and experience. His former Gladbach star and 2014 World Cup winner Christoph Kramer has been touted on social media.
Christoph Kramer stance given amid possible Elland Road links
Kramer worked under Farke at Gladbach during the 2022-23 campaign before leaving the Bundesliga side. The two built a bond, before Farke left the German side and took the job at Leeds in July 2023.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report that there have been suggestions of a possible move for the 33-year-old on social media. They rule out a move, with Kramer’s stance currently to remain in his home nation.
Farke says a move for a free agent is possible at Leeds, though he explained why he would rather avoid such an eventuality. However, he may be forced to observe the market over the next few weeks.
What Kramer said about Daniel Farke during 2022-23 campaign
Clearly, Kramer is a big fan of Farke and the chance to work under the Leeds gaffer may tempt Kramer to move to England. He told Sky Sports back in 2023 that he is a big fan of Farke’s approach to football.
“I think Daniel Farke is great. I played the last 20 games under him, but even if I hadn’t played them, I would say the same thing. His approach really grabs me and I like his approach to football,” Kramer said.
There are plenty of other options in the free agent market that could solve Leeds’ midfield issues. Earlier this month, LeedsUnited.News looked at three possible options like former Arsenal star Francis Coquelin.
With the October break now underway, it will be interesting to see if Farke does make a move for a free agent. The one free agent signing he has made at Leeds is Sam Byram, and that has paid dividends.
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