Leeds United manager Daniel Farke spoke to the press on Thursday afternoon, shortly after news of a bid for Cameron Archer surfaced.
Thursday morning and afternoon was very eventful from a Leeds United perspective. We first had the news that Leeds are set to sign Matt Targett from Newcastle, before the news of Cameron Archer broke.
It was claimed that Leeds United had seen a loan bid for Archer rejected by Southampton who are reluctant to let the forward leave before the February 3rd transfer deadline.
Soon after, it was revealed that Archer is open to joining Leeds United, but that the 23-year-old wants a guarantee of regular game time should he make the move to Elland Road.
It could be the deciding factor in whether or not Archer moves to West Yorkshire before the window shuts, or indeed where he moves to, should he leave St Mary’s in this transfer window.
Daniel Farke’s hidden Leeds United message for Cameron Archer
Speaking to the press, Farke rather interestingly discussed new signings and the possibility of them getting game time. It was almost an indirect, direct message to Archer. Farke said: “When a player is available, when you are on such a good run you can’t guarantee any game time.
“If a player just wants to join a team due to game time, and you know there is lots of competition as well and I don’t just walk in and overtake the club more or less, that’s also a bit tricky. And some are also perhaps a little bit reluctant because you think ‘you have some really good players in my position’.
“It’s always a bit tricky on loan deals, because loan players they often know they are just coming for a few months, in order to get game time. But if they don’t see they are in a position that they would walk easily into the staring XI, then could also be tricky.
“So for that, I think it’s a bit easier to attract players who also see a bit of the long-term future with us.”
- READ MORE: Leeds United can secure promotion with swoop for 22/23 Golden Boot winner made available for loan
What Daniel Farke said when asked about new signings
Farke’s above comments were on a bit of a tangent, and not directly in response to Archer or any particular new signing.
Right at the start of the presser though, Farke was quizzed on Archer’s Leeds United links but the German gave little away.
He said: “I checked my phone, nothing has happened. I like to be open and honest and transparent, I’m not a big fan of the January window. Players are overpriced. If you are top of the league, it’s difficult to improve.
“It could even be risky if you bring the wrong person in, I’ve spoken about this. We will stay awake until the last hour, but we will only do something when all boxes are ticked. We have a good group together.”
Leeds United host Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon. Expect Farke and his recruitment team to be hard at work behind the scenes, with Friday, Sunday and Monday the only free days to focus on potential additions.
Targett certainly looks like he could be announced as a Leeds United player in the coming days. Archer seems less likely, but certainly possible.
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