Daniel Farke hinted at the possible signing of a new striker in his most-recent pre-match press conference but one player on Leeds United’s radar could be set to join Mateusz Klich’s new club.
Leeds have sanctioned the exit of Joe Gelhardt, who is now set for a loan move to Hull City. A deal is expected to be completed in the next 48 hours and Gelhardt could make his debut next Saturday.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bamford has a new suitor in Blackburn Rovers. Daniel Farke’s nemesis John Eustace wants to sign the one-time England man, though he is sidelined with an injury for three more weeks.
Joel Piroe should return against Sheffield Wednesday next weekend after missing Saturday’s FA Cup win over Harrogate Town, but on Saturday, Farke had one striker to choose from in the form of Mateo Joseph.
Mateusz Klich’s club eyeing Leeds target Emmanuel Latte Lath
LeedsUnited.News understands that Leeds want to sign Latte Lath, with Middlesbrough said to want a fee of at least £15m for the Ivory Coast international. Michael Carrick has addressed the rumours around him.
Farke reiterated on Thursday that he is expecting a quiet window at Leeds. But Farke did say Leeds will stay awake regarding a striker, but could find they lose out in the race for Latte Lath to Atlanta United.
Mateusz Klich’s new club have placed two strikers on their January shortlist in the form of Latte Lath and Crystal Palace’s Odsonne Edouard, according to The Athletic’s Tom Bogert in a post on his Instagram.
“Atlanta United DP No. 9 search update: Club focused on two targets, per sources: Emmanuel Latte Lath of Middlesbrough. Odsonne Edouard of Crystal Palace (loan at Leicester). Either would be a huge deal.”
Latte Lath is a good signing, but Joel Piroe is much better
If Bamford follows Gelhardt out of the door when he returns to full fitness, it would come as no surprise. The £40,000-a-week star is yet to start a single Championship game for Leeds during the 2024-25 season.
So Leeds do need a striker, in the eventuality. One to at least compete with Piroe and Joseph and there is no doubt Latte Lath does that given he is one of the best centre-forwards in the Championship right now.
| Name | Club | Games (Starts) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Minutes per G+A |
| Emmanuel Latte Lath | Middlesbrough | 26 (17) | 1577 | 10 | 2 | 131.4 |
| Joel Piroe | Leeds | 26 (16) | 1420 | 10 | 5 | 94.7 |
| Mateo Joseph | Leeds | 26 (11) | 1093 | 2 | 3 | 218.6 |
| Patrick Bamford | Leeds | 10 (0) | 123 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| Joe Gelhardt | Leeds | 2 (0) | 9 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
But, given he would cost an eight-figure fee, does it really make sense for The 49ers to sign Latte Lath when the numbers show he would only play back-up to Piroe, who has 15 goals and assists this term?
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