The January transfer window is going to be a difficult one for Leeds United, not least because it is unclear who will be in the dugout as manager when the window re-opens.
Daniel Farke’s future remains a massive question mark after five losses in six games, and the daunting prospect of Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool next. Leeds need additions if they are to avoid the drop.
Which Leeds youngster should be promoted?
Daniel Farke speaks to Harry Gray at Leeds United
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Harry Gray aside, which Leeds youngster has the best chance of becoming a senior player? Comment below!
But PSR is another problem Leeds will have to overcome. Robbie Evans has made it clear that Leeds have maxed out PSR and another signing will tip Leeds over the edge, and threaten a points deduction.
Leeds could sell a player like Willy Gnonto, they could target a couple of loan deals, or they could sign some players and make a sale before the deadline in the summer. Or, promote a player like Ollie Pickles.
Ollie Pickles in action for Leeds' U21s.
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Leeds lack goals from midfield; Ollie Pickles can change that
Despite the belief that the club needs new attackers, a main concern is that there is a lack of connection between the midfield and the attack. A midfielder able to bomb on and score goals is just as crucial.
Kobbie Mainoo has been linked with Ruben Amorim opening the door to a potential January loan. But some big clubs are in for the England star, and the chances of Man United doing Leeds a favour are small.
But Leeds don’t need it, and that was proved on Wednesday night. Leeds already have the ideal kind of midfielder that can get forward and score goals. Step forward, 18-year-old midfield talent Ollie Pickles.
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Scott Gardner’s U21 Leeds side were in action against Gateshead in the National League Cup, and the young Whites secured a 3-1 win with Pickles scoring twice, scoring two goals from outside the area.
In true Frank Lampard style, Pickles opened the scoring by travelling from deep and lashing one into the corner from 20 yards, before netting Leeds’ third with a gorgeous left-footed effort on 81 minutes.
Ollie Pickles’ excellent brace for Leeds United’s U21 side against Gateshead
Leeds have an exciting crop of youngsters coming through
Everyone knows about the potential that Harry Gray has. The youngster was not involved last night and that might be a sign he could be involved for Leeds when Farke takes his side to The Etihad on Saturday.
But Farke, who claims he is a big believer in youth but has not offered any game time to any U21 player this season, needs to consider some of Leeds’ youngsters. There is an exciting group in the second string.
Rhys Chadwick, Alfie Cresswell, Jayden Lienou, Sam Chambers are just a handful of names showing plenty of potential for Leeds this season. If Leeds can’t spend, then Farke has to consider promoting one or two.
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