Sources: Leeds pull plug on January signing after what Daniel Farke saw
Leeds United are having second thoughts about their pursuit of a new striker in the January transfer window after Daniel Farke’s formation change.
Leeds beat Chelsea 3-1 last time out, having switched to a 3-5-2 formation which allowed Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line together.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Farke‘s change in style saw Leeds pose much more threat going forward, got the best out of his two strikers, and has now pushed the need for another forward down their list.
Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Leeds are concerned about their attacking options, and could look to bolster their squad in January.
However, they are now considered more likely to target wide options than an out-and-out centre-forward given the success of their recent tactical tweak.
Leeds United make January transfer U-turn
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider in September that Leeds are in big trouble as a result of their lack of attacking firepower.
That, alongside frustrations with a lack of goals from their two current options, had led to suggestions that a new striker would likely arrive in January.
Now, though, Leeds will prioritise other problem positions in Farke’s squad as they aim to bolster the side in their fight against relegation from the Premier League.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Leeds, I’m not sure how much money they will have to spend in the January window.
“They spent quite a bit in the summer on new arrivals as well.
“They are looking for attacking reinforcements, probably a wide forward is at the top of their list.
“Now they’ve stumbled upon this winning formation of playing two up top with Calvert-Lewin and Nemecha, after they had success against Chelsea.
“It’s obviously working for them right now as well. So maybe that might push their need for a new striker down the pecking order as well.”
Daniel Farke sack update emerges after Chelsea tweak
The tactical changes made during the win against Chelsea have not only impacted Leeds’ transfer plans, but also potentially their plans for the manager’s future.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Leeds would give Farke two games to save his job, and the victory against Chelsea has earned him some leeway.
The Peacocks are now preparing to face out-of-form Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday, in a game which could prove crucial to the boss’ position.
In the meantime, Brown told Football Insider on 3 December that Gary O’Neil is being considered by Leeds in case they decide to part ways with Farke.
O’Neil is the odds-on favourite to replace Farke as things stand, despite the club considering alternative options to replace him amid ongoing pressure.
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