Leeds had chance to sign ‘fantastic’ star, now he could get Daniel Farke sacked vs Aston Villa
Daniel Farke could seriously be regretting his transfer failings at Leeds United as sack rumours intensify ahead of facing Aston Villa.
The Whites are currently sitting 16th in the Premier League table after 11 matches, and after Leeds lost 3-1 to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, the team are desperate for three points.
Despite scoring away from home, Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in front of goal have highlighted Leeds’ biggest weakness this season, with only Wolves scoring fewer times in the league.
Very few are surprised because, although the Whites spent upwards of £100million during the summer, Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha were both signed on free transfers.
Daniel Farke to go face-to-face with Emi Buendia
Unai Emery has seen a sharp upturn in form at Villa Park in recent weeks, losing just one of their last eight Premier League matches, but a trip to Elland Road is no easy feat for any team in the division.
Farke is under tremendous pressure at Leeds, so the former Norwich City man will be desperate for a positive result against an in-form Villa side, especially if he is to avoid being sacked.
The Premier League clash will see him come face-to-face with a very familiar figure – Emi Buendia – having spent time together at Carrow Road before his £38million move to Villa Park.
Leeds have long been linked with Buendia, but with four goals and two assists this season, Emery will be thanking his lucky stars that the Villans kept hold of the Argentine during the summer.
Leeds United sack rumours could intensify with Aston Villa defeat
Supporters at Elland Road are already weighing the pros and cons of sacking their current manager, and should Buendia and Villa claim victory on Sunday, 23 November, it could be all over for him.
He has won just nine of his 60 games in the top division, and while some of those were in a Norwich side with no investment, he has done very little to prove himself with Leeds so far this season.
Failing to sign Buendia, once described by Clinton Morrison as “fantastic”, might just be the final nail in his coffin should the 28-year-old score at Elland Road, given that the Whites could have sealed his signature in any of the last few transfer windows.
It would truly send a message to the 49ers Enterprises, with a shortlist likely already written up of potential successors for the under-fire manager. Defeat on Sunday could be costly.