The imminent exit of Joe Gelhardt may force Daniel Farke to think outside of the box should a striker injury crisis occur
Leeds United are undoubtedly playing a risky game with their striker plans this January. The club expect to have a quiet transfer window and are taking an opportunistic approach to the market.
If there’s a deal to grab, they will act – but otherwise, Daniel Farke is more concerned about maintaining good squad morale ahead of the business end of the season. However, this weekend highlighted the glaring reality United could face if a few cogs become dislodged.
Patrick Bamford has yet to start a Championship game this season, but his four-week absence gave Farke one less option when the injured Joel Piroe was told to rest.
Mateo Joseph led the line in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Harrogate Town, but despite his tireless effort, he lacked finishing ability.
The Spaniard is still only 21 years old and has started only five games since September, but he hasn’t scored since October 18, despite appearing in every league game.
With Joe Gelhardt on the verge of a loan move to Hull City, Farke will now have fewer natural number nines to call on if top scorer Piroe – the only player to achieve double figures thus far – becomes unavailable.
Piroe could return to duty this Sunday against Sheffield Wednesday, with Farke defining his muscular injury as mild and deciding that featuring him against Harrogate was not worth the risk.
Without the Dutchman, United’s offensive options are substantially reduced, which is why the manager has not ruled out signing a forward before deadline day. Farke clarified his attitude on striker recruitment last week, insisting he is “not in panic mode”.
He did say, however: “But it is definitely a position we should be aware of with what happens in January right now.” Of course, not bringing someone in before February 3 increases the danger of Piroe being sidelined later on.
As a result, some supporters perceive the club’s transfer policy as a disrespect for safety precautions. Bamford may return by the end of January, but he hasn’t played a significant role in Farke’s plans this season. The manager has hinted, however, that he has a wildcard striker available if necessary.
Farke discussed his striker alternatives in addition to Bamford, saying: “We have Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, a few young prospects in our academy, and perhaps a player like Willy Gnonto can also play striker.”
Gnonto began as a centre-forward in Farke’s debut match in charge, a 2-2 draw against Cardiff City in August 2023. He played 82 minutes but didn’t score. The Italian has not started a game as the main forward since.
Gnonto was often used as a supporting striker at his former club FC Zurich, having progressed through the Inter Milan system and youth age levels in Italy. Throughout his career, he has rarely played as a central forward.
Farke chose not to play the 21-year-old as a number 10 – the closest thing to a second striker – against Harrogate on Saturday, instead relying on the star Manor Solomon.
In fact, Farke has not started Gnonto in that position at Leeds, instead keeping him on the flanks, where he has scored all 13 goals under the German coach. So, while he sees Gnonto as a possible central forward, he may be a last choice if the worst-case situation occurs.
