Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Mon 27 April 2026 19:11, UK

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Leeds United were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final, with Enzo Fernandez’s header being the difference.

The Whites had gone into the game with confidence off the back of seven consecutive games without defeat across all competitions, but ultimately lacked firepower.

Both Brenden Aaronson and Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoyed big chances for Leeds, but Robert Sanchez was equal to everything they threw at him.

Chelsea will go on to face Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in next month’s final, with Daniel Farke undoubtedly rueing a missed chance against a side who sacked their manager just last week.

Leeds transfer chiefs have plenty to consider this summer, and a new striker should be high up on their list.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin fails to land Chelsea blow

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Leeds are set to allow Joel Piroe to leave this summer after a season in which he has made just 14 Premier League appearances.

Calvert-Lewin has been a superb signing for the Whites this season, scoring 12 goals across all competitions and providing a constant figurehead up front.

And on Sunday, he did not play poorly. The 29-year-old should have had an assist when he brilliantly played Aaronson through in the first half, and it was only his good movement which saw him get on the end of Noah Okafor’s cross.

How Calvert-Lewin’s involvement progressed and eventually faded, however, has demonstrated how important another option is this summer.

The striker took just one shot throughout the game, producing just 0.11 expected goals. He enjoyed only two touches inside the opposition box, and won only 33% per cent of his ground and aerial duels.

It was clear that the England international was struggling, and Farke did turn to Lukas Nmecha, but the German was just as ineffective.

Leeds must strengthen this summer

When Calvert-Lewin arrived at Leeds, many fans feared that the striker’s terrible injury record would come to the fore once more.

It has not, and the 29-year-old has almost entirely avoided absences this season. Had it not worked out like that, Leeds may have been in real trouble.

Calvert-Lewin’s goals have directly contributed to around nine points at Elland Road this season, a tally that separates the Whites from the relegation zone.

Nmecha has been a solid option at times, but had the German been required to fill in for the England international on a more long-term basis, Leeds could have been right amongst the relegation battlers.

Calvert-Lewin’s fitness cannot be relied on forever. This summer will provide a great opportunity to sign a player capable of both replacing him if necessary and challenging him for his starting role.