Ally McCoist looking concerned with Jeff Stelling in circular frame
Credit: talkSPORT, Imago
Josh Edwards
Tue 2 September 2025 16:45, UK
Leeds United have been masters of their own downfall this summer.
Despite the transfer window only shutting on 1 September, Leeds have failed to add anyone to their squad since the arrival of James Justin from Leicester on 25 August.
That is despite Daniel Farke asking for attacking reinforcements at Leeds, immediately after their goalless draw against Newcastle United.
Instead, the Whites ended deadline day empty-handed, with Jeff Stelling sharing his concerns over their ability to survive in the Premier League.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke looking serious
Credit: Imago
Jeff Stelling shares Leeds worries live on air
Lukas Nmecha scored Leeds’ only goal of the season so far, and even that was gifted to them on a plate from the penalty spot in the opening day victory over Everton.
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Since then, Leeds have looked hopeless in front of goal, and those around them have thrived.
How the newly-promoted sides have fared after three games
Sunderland goals scored this season – Five (One penalty)
Burnley goals scored this season – Four
Leeds goals scored this season – One (One penalty)
It is a concern that everyone at Elland Road had recognised, and yet here we are at the end of the window questioning how or why the 49ers failed to deliver on their promises.
Farke admitted that Leeds will find it difficult to survive in the Premier League, and it is a sentiment shared by both Jeff Stelling and Ally McCoist.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Stelling said: “I really do not know who is gonna score goals for them: That’s what worries me for Leeds United.”
McCoist was in full agreement and said: “Looking at the newly promoted sides. And I think it’s fair to say more people would say Sunderland and Leeds have a slightly better opportunity than Burnley to stay up.
“That might not prove to be the case, right?
“If you’re looking at it objectively, if you’re a Sunderland fan, you’ve got to be saying, ‘Well, we’ve got promoted. We really needed to strengthen, and we’ve done that.’
“So it’s certainly from the board and the owners and the management, you can tell there’s a serious show of intent. I’m not sure – I’m agreeing with you, Jeff – I’m not sure Leeds have done that.”
Daniel Farke must now work wonders at Leeds United
Firstly, it can’t be ruled out that Farke could walk out on Leeds after such a miserable summer transfer window, and very few people could use it against him, given the lack of backing he has received.
However, if he stays, he faces the near-impossible task of getting a lacklustre attacking lineup to score goals.
With the international break upon us, these concerns are going to linger until Leeds return to action, and there is no guarantee that they will be subdued then.
A summer of excitement has very quickly turned into disappointment, and the blame is entirely at the feet of the 49ers.
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