One areas seems obvious while Leeds United may need to ride it out in another position amid a question over depth
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
05:00, 29 Oct 2025
Leeds United spent more than £100m this summer
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Leeds United spent more than £100m this summer(Image: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Leeds United’s new signings have, in the main, settled in well at Elland Road. Noah Okafor has two goals, £12million Sean Longstaff has shown his Premier League knowhow and Dominic Calvert-Lewin has shown his credentials.
For all newcomers, there is a sense that there might be another level to come. It’s fair to say Sebastiaan Bornauw has not had the rub of the green amid his regular matchday squad omissions but for injuries to teammates, while Jaka Bijol only made his league debut on Friday.
Okafor - the most expensive summer signing at £18m - has suffered two setbacks, £17m Anton Stach’s form has dipped and Calvert-Lewin has one goal in seven Premier League games. All three have shown glimpses of their full potential but consistency is the next step.
All the while, injuries and general quality have highlighted two areas that perhaps need to be considered in the next transfer window, one being more obvious than the other.
Right wing
Daniel James has not started a game since August
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Daniel James has not started a game since August(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Given Leeds essentially have three options here in Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson - not including Jack Harrison’s ability to play there - this may seem, from the outside, a weird choice.
But for those who have watched Leeds throughout this season, it is hard to say that - unlike on the left wing with Okafor - there is any outstanding candidate on the flank going by the first few months of the campaign.
Injuries since have not helped but there was a reason why United chased Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Wilson in the final week of the summer window. James was in terrific form last term but has not looked the same since suffering his hamstring injury back in April.
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Aaronson may have scored and been the best player on the pitch against West Ham but his otherwise frustrating displays means he has a lot to make up for, with the jury very much still out.
Gnonto might have had more minutes but for his calf injury and minor hernia operation. He has not played since September 13 against Fulham, yet it was Aaronson who started him at Craven Cottage.
More inspiration is needed when it comes to creativity generally, and it seems the right flank is currently lacking bite.
Midfield
Ao Tanaka on the ball
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Ao Tanaka on the ball(Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
This also might take a few by surprise given the options already present, but we are talking about depth here. Leeds only have two midfield substitutes outside a system that requires three to start.
When all options are fit, this is not a problem. At least one midfielder is expected to complete a game and that most times will be captain Ethan Ampadu.
But if one midfielder gets injured, that puts strain on the ranks. Have two players out, as was the case in August with Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, then all three remaining midfielders need to see out the full 90 minutes.
That is, unless Aaronson drops back but few wish to see that happen. The reality of more or less having one game per week as a Premier League club, rather than the compact schedule of the Championship, undoubtedly helps.
But there is a sense that Leeds are still a back-up away from being truly at ease. However, Farke has said before that he does not like a bloated squad and another midfielder would mean having to let down another senior player every week when selecting his matchday squad.
Time will reveal how great a need this extra midfielder is. Leeds might have to survive with what they’ve got given the tight PSR situation. This is not the end of the world, it’s just not quite truly ideal.
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