Daniel Farke’s biggest gripe about the summer transfer window was Leeds United’s failure to sign a number 10.
Leeds brought in eight new signings during the summer but Farke made it clear publicly that another attacking midfielder was on his wish list.
Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia and Manchester City’s James McAtee were among those Angus Kinnear confirmed to be of interest to Leeds.
Farke then expressed his disappointment after the window came to a close but Leeds have managed to get by fairly well in the months that have followed, sitting third in the Championship.
Without the addition of a 10, Brenden Aaronson has started each of the last 16 matches and overall, has done a decent job.
However, Aaronson has been criticised for his form as of late, and without any natural competition in his position, Farke has not had the luxury of rotating him out of the side.
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Farke on whether Leeds will sign a number 10
Farke has already promised a quiet January at Leeds but with the window less than a month away, questions continue to be asked on the need to strengthen.
Speaking in his pre-Derby County press conference, Farke once again remained coy on the topic of players coming into Elland Road.
However, this week Farke was asked specifically about the number 10 position after his frustrations over the summer and Aaronson’s loss of form.
Having admitted it was a ‘point he made’ back in September, he then went onto say that Ampadu’s imminent return from injury could free up someone like Joe Rothwell to play higher, but insisted a decision has not been made on whether someone will come in.
He said: “I spoke about more or less how I judged our summer transfer business, this was definitely a point I made. But it’s also like then we go on with it, try to get the best out of the squad. Right now I don’t want to judge it because we are only in the beginning of December and have eight games upcoming.
“After these eight games we will draw a line under it, where we are in the table, how our football is, are there new injuries. I have to say I’m happy with my squad…
“We don’t take a decision too early so after these eight games we can discuss about everything and draw a line under it and speak about what is necessary. But, at the moment, I’m far away from making a judgement right now.”
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What Farke said about Ampadu’s return
As mentioned, Farke alluded to Ampadu’s return as a potential reason for not needing to add a number 10.
Despite his excellent run of form, Rothwell is the most likely player to make way when Ampadu is fully fit, but it would be a shame if his role went back to what it was earlier in the season.
Rothwell’s forward passing and ball-carrying ability make him someone who could very much play more advanced, and Farke hinted as such earlier today.
He said: “Some good news with Ethan Ampadu, he’s back in training now. Ilia Gruev’s rehab looks well. It would perhaps free up one of our other midfield players to use in a higher role. All is connected.”
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