Leeds United’s transfer window activity ensures that Daniel Farke has two or more players for most positions in his 4-2-3-1 system, but it also prevents any U21 gems from being promoted.
Eight summer arrivals, including Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani, and Ao Tanaka, have given Farke a Leeds squad that not only has Premier League talent, but also plenty of depth in most positions.
Another centre-back, possibly a no.10, could have neatly topped off a solid window in which Farke and the Leeds transfer team were compelled to rebuild the squad.
However, in some situations, more than two players compete for the starting spot. Farke has four alternatives up top, with Patrick Bamford back from a hamstring injury and Joel Piroe regaining form.
However, the immense depth eliminates any chance of any U21 player being promoted to the first squad. Luca Thomas has four goals in four games for Scott Gardner’s Leeds United second team.
Luca Thomas deserves a shot with Leeds as his impressive form continues.
The Thorp Arch academy is well-known for producing top talent, whether through signing players from rival academies as teenagers or developing their own local stars like as £40 million Tottenham Hotspur youngster Archie Gray.
Thomas, 20, signed from Manchester City in 2021. Thomas has long been regarded as an exciting talent, having scored 23 goals in 32 games with the U18s, but it is only this season that he is demonstrating first-team capabilities.
Four goals in four games with the 21s is amazing, and this type of performance will not go unnoticed. Farke included Thomas in Leeds’ summer tour to Germany and will be fully aware of his goal scoring record.
Joe Gelhardt should be sold to provide a Leeds pathway for Thomas.
While the 21s lost 4-1 to Wolves on Monday, Thomas scored his fourth goal in four games, leaving Leeds with a decision to make. According to reports, Leeds will enable Thomas to go on loan in January.
But his form is deserving of a first-team chance. If that is to happen, Leeds need to create a path into the first team for Thomas and in order to do so, one of the current four strikers in Farke’s side should be sold.
Farke’s Leeds pecking order up top:
- Mateo Joseph
- Joel Piroe
- Patrick Bamford
- Joe Gelhardt
- Luca Thomas – yet to win senior call-up.
Joe Gelhardt was cut from the Leeds squad on Saturday by Farke, after Gelhardt chose to remain at Leeds because of his wages. The youngster is fourth choice and right now, has little chance of getting a start.
He needs to move for the sake of his career. While Alan Shearer may have labeled Gelhardt as “magic” on Match of the Day in 2022, his presence is preventing Thomas from breaking into the first team. In January, Leeds and Gelhardt should reach an agreement to give Thomas an opportunity.
