Leeds United somehow managed to fill their 25-man squad despite failing in the final days of the window to sign another attacker, Harry Wilson being one of them.
We’re going to get a pretty clear view of Leeds’ survival credentials this week with a trip to Molineux and Wolves looming.
For Daniel Farke, he wanted to reiterate after defeat to Fulham that he remains unhappy with the attacking options at his disposal.
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Could Daniel Farke have done with Harry Wilson in his Leeds United squad?
The man Leeds had their eyes on late in the window was Fulham’s Harry Wilson. The club thought they had secured a deal as both United and the Welshman signing their part of the deal sheet on deadline day, only for Fulham to pull the plug late on.
Harry Wilson could have been playing for Leeds United against Fulham on Saturday if deadline day panned out differently. (REUTERS/Isabel Infantes)
That failure left Leeds and Farke short of the right-sided attacking profile he was desperate for. Wilson himself then nearly showed the Whites exactly what they were missing on Saturday at Craven Cottage. A 25-yard free-kick in the second half was destined for the top corner, only for Wales teammate Karl Darlow’s outstretched arm to deny him.
Meanwhile for Leeds, it was noticeable that Leeds were missing a ‘pass-first’ creative signing, still without an open play goal and having the fewest shots on target per 90 this season.
Harry Wilson arrival would have seen Illan Meslier completely frozen out of Leeds’ 25-man squad
An intriguing development on Saturday was the return of Illan Meslier to the Leeds bench. He came back into the squad after a recent setback for starting ‘keeper Lucas Perri.
It looked to all intents and purposes that a move during the summer that highly likely for the Frenchman. However, it didn’t transpire and he stayed put despite reported offers from more than one club out in Europe.
The Athletic have since assessed every Premier League 25-man squad, with the most interesting development at Leeds being Meslier included. That may not have been the case if deadline day was different.
“The only striking aspect of Leeds United’s 25-man list is that they filled it. Leeds had been keen to add Harry Wilson to their squad on deadline day and someone in this list would have needed to make way for him,” Beren Cross wrote.
“Illan Meslier would likely have been left out altogether if Wilson had signed. The former No 1 has not even been a part of the travelling party this season, but an injury to Lucas Perri means he will provide cover.”
Leeds United look short of attacking profile that Wilson would resolve
Farke is right to argue the fact that he’s really short of attacking options, especially a creator in the mould of Wilson.
A left-footer that’s deadly from a set piece is exactly what we need. Unfortunately, the four games so far have only proved it further.
That being said, we’re yet to see Farke name (in my opinion) his strongest front three. To me, that consists of: Willy Gnonto, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Noah Okafor.
Until that point, it’s hard to have huge sympathy that Farke didn’t get what he wanted. Given he needs to get the most out of what he’s got as well.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!