Leeds United
Leeds United have played some really good football over the last month, and carried their form into the New Year. They have only lost to Newcastle United this month, and are on the path towards safety.
There is now a six-point cushion between themselves and West Ham, courtesy on the run they went on in December. Daniel Farke changed some things about the team, and everything has clicked since then. The new system has brought the best out of some players as the club push towards their goal. The 49ers decided to make a splash in the transfer market, to add reinforcements ahead of the second half of the season.
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Leeds United signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan for the rest of the season in order to bolster their attacking options. The Argentine was a direct replacement for Jack Harrison, who left on loan. The 49ers’ second move to add quality to the team has now fallen through; Crystal Palace are now in pole position to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen. Per reports, the Whites were not willing to go above what they valued the striker for, leaving the door open for Crystal Palace. And now, just like in the summer transfer window, the ownership have fluffed their lines on a major target.
Leeds United will be without striker against Arsenal
This weekend, Leeds will face Arsenal at Elland Road. But Daniel Farke has confirmed in Thursday’s press conference that the Whites will be without Lukas Nmecha:
”We will also miss Lukas Nmecha, he reported some problems with his hamstring in the warm-up at Everton.
”I would have been tempted to bring him on. Not a major thing, he will definitely also miss the Arsenal game.
”We hope we have him back for the Nottingham game, there’s a good chance.”
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Striking options are not enough for the rest of the season
Missing out on Jorgen Strand Larsen is a huge blow for Leeds United. The Wolves striker was the major target for Leeds United this month. An enquiry was made, and a bid was submitted for the Norwegian international, but was eventually rejected.
And if no business is done between now and the deadline, Daniel Farke is left with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Joel Piroe and Lukas Nmecha for the rest of the season. That is the same set of options they had since the start of the season. It is an okay set of options, but in the Premier League, this may not be enough to survive the competition. Calvert-Lewin is the only one who has scored goals, but is not a reliable finisher. Lukas Nmecha has barely been fit this season and Joel Piroe is a non-factor at this point.