The chances of Leeds United responding emphatically to missing out on Jorgen Strand Larsen on deadline day appear slim.
The Whites are still six points clear of the relegation zone in spite of a 4-0 beating at home to Arsenal, thanks to Chelsea’s comeback against West Ham.
Meanwhile, the optimism of a shiny new striker signing at Elland Road has noticeably dwindled as the one ongoing saga doesn’t go our way.
Jorgen Strand Larsen imminently signing for Crystal Palace as Leeds United miss out
United’s main target for the window has followed a similar pattern to previous ‘stretch’ targets. The pattern being they’ve not been signed.
It’s not for the lack of trying, as Leeds put down a whopping £40million for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen. The only issue is that Crystal Palace gazumped it with an eye-watering £48million package now agreed.
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen won’t be joining Leeds United, it seems. (Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs)
Today, it’s been revealed that the Norwegian has completed a medical, which may or may not be contingent on Jean-Philippe Mateta’s medical at AC Milan getting the all clear.
It leaves very little time on deadline day (7pm cut-off) for Leeds to respond with a likewise calibre of arrival.
In truth, it’s surely nigh on impossible for Leeds to get a deal in place that’s seen as solid a market opportunity as Strand Larsen would have been. Granted, £48million is a panic and an overspend, in my opinion.
Time running out: Leeds United are currently pinning hopes on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness
The glass-half-full perspective is that Leeds are currently well on track to stay in the Premier League irrespective of a new striker arriving.
Our chance creation and relatively solid defence compared to our rivals stands us in good stead. The fear is that others turn a corner while Facundo Buonanotte being our sole arrival isn’t enough to maintain our survival pace.
Leeds United’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is vital to Daniel Farke’s success. (REUTERS/Peter Powell)
At the moment, Leeds are being spearheaded by the best striker in the bottom half of the table – Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
He’s been a revelation and there’s a rationale to thinking any signing would merely act as a backup to the 28-year-old. That’s fair enough.
There’s the elephant in the room though, which is his injury record.
Leeds keeping him fit for the remainder of the season would be a huge achievement from himself and the medical staff. However, having no real reliable understudy or alternative runs a serious risk.
Time will tell, this opinion might be redundant at 7pm tonight when we’ve unveiled a smart, last-gasp arrival. But, it doesn’t look likely, does it?
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