Leeds United ended their pre-season campaign unbeaten following the 1-1 draw with AC Milan in Dublin at the weekend. It's been a busy transfer window for the Whites ahead of their return to the Premier League with seven new arrivals to date.
However, despite the flurry of activity, Leeds have not been able to bolster their ranks in the final third, with Daniel Farke admitting it's an area of concern heading into their top flight opener next week.
“In comparison to our Championship side, we have not improved the offence," Farke said after the draw with AC Milan in Dublin. “To have a squad capable to survive in the top flight, we need to strengthen.
“In the offence, we need some top class signings, not just numbers. We need players who improve our squad.”
That was a sentiment echoed by the national media, who gave their take on the draw with the Serie A outfit at the weekend.
'Daniel Farke is right to be worried'
Aadam Patel of the Daily Mail wrote: "Daniel Farke admitted last weekend that in attack, his side were not ready for the Premier League. With Dan James back in the side, there was reason to be optimistic and Leeds started well with Wilfried Gnonto getting into some dangerous positions down the left flank.
"Gnonto wasted a golden opportunity when he was through on goal but instead of squaring, ended up lobbing the ball straight into the hands of the Milan keeper.
"Joel Piroe tested Pietro Terracciano on the brink of half-time but chances were few and far apart against a second-string Milan outfit. Leeds battled well but lacked that killer edge in the final third and Farke will be aware."
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'The end of Illan Meslier?'
Beren Cross of The Athletic wrote: "Two weeks after his move from Lyon, Perri made his Leeds debut in Dublin. Most intriguingly, the Brazilian wore the No 1 shirt with its previous owner not even included in the squad.
"Meslier was conspicuous by his absence from the travelling party in Ireland and if Perri’s mere arrival did not signal the end of the Frenchman’s career at the club, the teamsheet in Dublin did. Perri played the first 45 minutes before being replaced by Karl Darlow.
"Perri arrived with some minor fitness issues, which is why Farke was probably being cautious with his minutes. There was one notably calm catch under a high ball, as well as a throw launched into Milan’s half which set up Wilfried Gnonto on the counter.
"There will be a tinge of sadness for some at the prospect of Meslier moving on after six years of ups and downs in West Yorkshire, but it does feel the right time for him to sample a new environment and reset his career.
“We have decided, today, just to play two goalkeepers and, for that, it was then not necessary for him to travel with us,” said Daniel Farke of Meslier’s absence. “Karl is in the pecking order ahead of him because Karl had a fantastic finish to last season and also a really good pre-season.
“Lucas is also a player who is likely to play a role for us and, for that, we decided to give him the No 1 shirt. It’s not a decision against Illan; it’s more a decision for the confidence of Lucas, to make him welcome and also to show why we’ve signed him.”
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