Leeds United have released Patrick Bamford from his contract following the attacking additions of Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin looks likely to be the primary centre-forward for Leeds United this season, although many fans are hoping Daniel Farke’s side want another striker before the transfer deadline.
Farke wants ‘one or two’ attackers prior to the window closing. However, there has been more focus on creative players than goalscorers so far after Calvert-Lewin explained why he chose Leeds over alternatives.
Of course, after reportedly having high wage demands to leave Everton, Calvert-Lewin signing for Leeds has been confusing to some. That could be crucial in terms of finding space for another forward or two.
Graham Smyth explains Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s wages amid talk of another Leeds striker signing
Graham Smyth has explained the Leeds striker situation via the Inside Elland Road Podcast, with that Calvert-Lewin wage factor important as a consideration heading into Sunday and Monday.
He said: “I suspect that, as in the case with [Igor] Paixao when that fell through, there was just a flurry of names. So, if I was a Leeds fan trying to sift through noise today, you’d have in mind your knowledge of what Leeds are prioritising.
“A right winger who can maybe also come inside and play inside. That’s the big priority. In terms of a striker, I would be surprised if they went and did a striker like a centre-forward because they signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a big, big wage.
“That wage alone means that you can’t have him sitting on the bench. There were other strikers looked at. I’m aware of one that the age was seen as an issue when compared with, you know, £30 million I think it would have it would have cost to get him.
“But they went for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and I think one of the things that they’ll probably say after the window is — people have categorised it as doing it on the cheap because he was a free agent.
“He is not a cheap signing when you take his wage into consideration. Yes, you haven’t paid a fee for him but you are paying for a big, big wage. Whether or not it’s enough because of the injury concerns, the injury risk that that you have to take into account?
“He has not had it easy physically at all. So, we’ll have to see, won’t we? What they end up with and we’ll have to judge them on the results that come after that. But it is a bit nervy to go into the the last couple of days of the window still looking light in attacking areas.
“And everyone always wants a striker or an attacker or a 10 at this time of year. There’s going to be competition for anyone worth their salt. So, there’s no guarantees at this stage.”
Leeds fans will hope Calvert-Lewin faces Newcastle and that he rediscovers his scoring touch after promising moments for Leeds’ striker against Sheffield Wednesday.
- READ MORE: Leeds United fans have surprising Dominic Calvert-Lewin view after Sheffield Wednesday display
Chris Powell’s verdict on Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
The fixture looked like the ideal environment for the new Leeds United striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a boyhood Sheffield United fan but needing a less intense fixture than a Premier League one for his debut.
Calvert-Lewin almost apologised to Leeds fans after the game, describing himself as “disappointed” not to have converted his chances.
Chris Powell is hopeful Calvert-Lewin can turn things around quickly after he spoke on Sky Sports punditry duty after the match.
Powell said: “He’s a good signing for them. I think he’s a clever signing.
“Free transfer; but he needs to play regularly. At Everton, injuries, stop-start. I think it’ll be a good signing for them.”
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