Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Carla Devine
Mon 12 May 2025 14:10, UK
Leeds United secured their promotion to the Premier League as champions, but now the hard work starts at Elland Road.
Daniel Farke’s future in West Yorkshire has been subject to debate after reports emerged that the 49ers were considering parting ways with the boss because of his previous Premier League form.
Whether it is Farke or someone else at the helm, they will need the right backing from upstairs to make the necessary additions to compete in the top flight.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke
Farke took Leeds up but his future could be uncertain. (Credit: Imago)
Brian Deane offers Leeds advice ahead of promotion
Leeds have a solid spine of their squad and while additions are needed, the right balance has to be struck between retaining that continuity and making sure the strength is there too.
One of the key issues for the Whites is recruiting a goalkeeper, after Illan Meslier was dropped for Karl Darlow towards the end of the season.
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However, there is another area of the pitch that requires serious attention, and that is the final third.
Joel Piroe may have ended the season as the Championship’s Golden Boot winner, but he did not break the 20-goal mark and, at times, went through mini goal droughts.
Brian Deane has urged his former side to see this as a matter of great importance too, as he told the Yorkshire Post (12 May): “They need a new striker, I’ve said it for years.
“We’re dealing with the Premier League now. You need strikers that are going to cause the opposition problems. They’re going to have to contribute goals, but also be able to give the centre-backs a tough time.
“Anybody who’s played the game at the top level will tell you the same thing. You can’t get away from the fact that if you haven’t got a team that causes the opposition a headache, then you’re never going to win a game.”
Joel Piroe
Piroe has been Leeds’ main striker this season. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds have to focus on getting a striker good enough
Piroe has done well in White this season, and he deserves the opportunity to get minutes in the top flight with Leeds next season.
However, there is no further depth in that position with Patrick Bamford set for an Elland Road exit and Mateo Joseph also potentially heading for the door after struggling to get going this term.
Player Appearances Goals Assists
Piroe 46 19 7
Joseph 39 3 3
Bamford 17 0 0
Leeds could add to their attacking options.
Therefore, going up with just one striker, who has not done enough convincing that he can reach the levels required in the top flight, is a massive risk.
The good news for supporters at Elland Road is that they have been linked with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Beto, both of whom have the experience required to compete at the top level.
A healthy mix could be a sensible move in West Yorkshire, but this is a position that must be prioritised in the summer window.
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