Farke's 180 degree Uturn in transfer market confuses fans

24 Jan 2025 09:06 am, by Ellandback1


Good Morning. It's Friday 24th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Farke's 180 degree U-turn in transfer market confuses fans

Speaking ahead of their crucial top-of-the-table encounter with Burnley, Leeds Manager Daniel Farke has performed a complete 180 degree u-turn regarding their aspirations in the transfer market this month! For weeks now, the Leeds gaffer has all but categorically denied the arrival of new players, but with just over a week left until the transfer window slams shut, has spoken of strengthening in three particular areas.

Recent injuries to Pascal Struijk and Patrick Bamford have caused Leeds to re-think their strategy regarding reinforcements at centre back and the number 9 role. He spoke also about providing competition for playmaker Brenden Aaronson. Farke's about turn will confuse and probably anger some Leeds fans who will be critical that the club have left it late in the day to go about their business. Why would the club gamble on last minute bargains when a cash pot of £300m is up for grabs?

At the moment we have two fit strikers: Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph. It would be outstanding to have Patrick Bamford available in full rhythm. He will be out for two weeks more. We will assess the centre-back and striker position. The rule is quite clear: the quality has to be right, we won’t add just a number. It has to be proper quality then the character has to fit to the group, attitude on top level and the third thing is the player is affordable. Three things need to come together to make a signing.

If there’s a solution we’ll do this. I can rule out there is a player on the 31st January, or his club has agreed a transfer fee or loan fee with four clubs, and he chooses who pays the highest salary, I don’t believe in this. “I want proper quality and determination and fully committed to what we want to achieve here at Leeds United.

If there is a creative offensive player out there like a No. 10 it could be beneficial for our group. Brenden is excellent in this position but we don’t have a similar player like him in our group. We have players who can play this role, Joel Piroe as a loose striker or wingers in this role, they interpret it differently.

If there is a solution for a creative midfield player, it makes sense to stay awake. “Yes it would be good to add different attributes but overall the January market is not that easy. Not like you can be unbelievably picky but we will be picky with the three boxes that have to be ticked. If we can tick all three it would be good to have something a bit dissimilar to what Brenden offers, yes.




Speculation grows regarding Iheanacho arrival

Reports that striker Kelechi Iheanacho is on the verge of a move to Elland Road are gathering traction, following a new development at current club Sevilla. The 28-year-old's current situation is far from ideal, having been deemed surplus to requirements just six months after joining the La Liga side from Leicester City. Despite a solid scoring record in the Copa del Rey, limited game time totaling just 400 minutes, has fueled speculation of his departure.

Last time out, the Nigerian International played a crucial role for the Foxes, contributing six goals and three assists in just 1100 minutes of action. His blend of power, technical ability and a knack for finding the net, could be a significant boost for Leeds in their quest for automatic promotion. The impending arrival of Akor Adams at Sevilla (from Montpellier) further solidifies the likelihood of Iheanacho's exit. He's been omitted from their entire squad in the last couple of games, a tell-tale sign his services are not wanted. If he is available on loan, surely it's a no brainer?




View all Showing latest 5 comments of 52...

weasel wrote on 27 Jan 2025 02:16 pm

1964white wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 11:17 am Blackburn negative football isn't working any more :lol:

One win in six, lost their last three games & have dropped out of the top six.

Is this another team managed by one of the hailed coaches on here of late :roll:
It is easy to play negative football and make it hard for the opposition. But if a team does it every match then they will struggle when they have to force a game. That for me is why when we were getting thumped towards the end of Bielsa's reign I wasn't one for suggesting park the bus etc. Losing to the likes of City etc but playing the way we did made it more likely that we'd beat the likes of West Ham and Burnley.

1964white wrote on 27 Jan 2025 02:15 pm

mentalcase wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2025 1:24 am What a crackpot
I see where he is coming from. Paul is a home & away season-ticket holder and is enjoying the dominance/victories in the championship. He fears we'll endure many hammerings next season, something we haven't been used to over the last two seasons, apart from the QPR away game.

Barlow Boy wrote on 27 Jan 2025 12:44 pm

mentalcase wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2025 1:24 am What a crackpot
My dad used to call me it regularly, so very much doubt it’s complementary.

1964white wrote on 27 Jan 2025 08:37 am

CUSSIE01 wrote: Mon Jan 27, 2025 8:09 am The board will need to back Farke to the hilt ‘ when ‘ we’re promoted, love him or loathe him he’ll have earned his shot at the Premiership and as Leicester, Ipswich & Southampton are showing there’s no point going in half a***d. Getting Elland Road redeveloped as soon as possible with the extra revenue that creates is crucial for the long term as well.
The gulf between the Championship and the Premiership is massive, Southampton had 87 points last season and have 6 points from 23 games and a goal difference of -37 so far.
The form of Bournemouth, Forest, Brentford etc this season show us what’s possible if clubs can gain a foothold in the Premiership and avoid the dreaded yo yo scenario facing the rest of us and a win tonight could go a long way to ensure a return to the Promised Land.
I trust we now have the right owners on board to implement a credible investment, something we haven't had previously.

Marathe & his board have already provene their intentions in the championship with shrewd signings (some loan) such as Rodon, Ampadu, Bogle, Byram, Tanaka, Rothwell, Gruev, Piroe, Ramazani, etc.

I believe our board will upgrade their structured signings policy to cope with the lower end of Premier League initially, a procedure that Leicester & Southampton didn't pursue. Ipswich made a bash of it, signing the best players from the championship, that's fine if one's aim is to become a yo yo club. Leeds United need to show longer term ambition than Ipswich to ensure future success!

CUSSIE01 wrote on 27 Jan 2025 08:09 am

Carrick Dave wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 10:46 pm It’s a sad indictment of the state of English football when fans are tentative about the prospect of being promoted but can greet relegation with a welcome ambivalence.

I’m with you Cussie by the way. :)
The board will need to back Farke to the hilt ‘ when ‘ we’re promoted, love him or loathe him he’ll have earned his shot at the Premiership and as Leicester, Ipswich & Southampton are showing there’s no point going in half a***d. Getting Elland Road redeveloped as soon as possible with the extra revenue that creates is crucial for the long term as well.
The gulf between the Championship and the Premiership is massive, Southampton had 87 points last season and have 6 points from 23 games and a goal difference of -37 so far.
The form of Bournemouth, Forest, Brentford etc this season show us what’s possible if clubs can gain a foothold in the Premiership and avoid the dreaded yo yo scenario facing the rest of us and a win tonight could go a long way to ensure a return to the Promised Land.