The transfer window began, at Leeds United, with talk about centre-halves and potential signings in the number 10 role.
However, with the deadline approaching in only one day, the attention appears to have shifted. To center-forwards, no less.
Leeds United welcomed back Ethan Ampadu after a protracted absence, and as Daniel Farke dismisses concerns over Pascal Struijk’s fitness – he will resume training next week – the Championship leaders suddenly do not feel as vulnerable at the back.
Meanwhile, Farke made it clear that he wanted an aggressive midfielder. However, with Emi Buendia opting to join Bayer Leverkusen on loan from Aston Villa, Brenden Aaronson is certain to maintain his outstanding goals-per-game record into 2025.
Leeds suddenly appear to be short on strikers.
Sevilla coach reveals Kelechi Iheanacho could go amid Leeds United links.
Farke praised Joel Piroe after the Dutchman broke a three-game goal drought with a brace in Cardiff City’s 7-0 defeat. Mateo Joseph came off the bench to score for the third time this season.
However, with Patrick Bamford still ailing, Farke currently has only two first-team centre-forwards. A scenario that the Yorkshire giants appear desperate to rectify before the clock strikes 11 on Monday night.
Leeds still want Southampton’s Cameron Archer, after having a loan bid turned down by the Premier League strugglers. Leeds were also connected with Chelsea’s Marc Guiu on Sunday morning.
Kelechi Iheanacho is another Elland Road supporter. The former Manchester City and Leicester City forward is set to quit Sevilla after a disappointing half-season with the La Liga club.
Their head coach, Garcia Pimienta, acknowledged this in the lead-up to Sunday’s late kickoff against Barcelona.
“Kelechi Iheanacho has many offers and complete freedom to choose where he wants to go,” Pimienta stated, implying that the Nigeria international will be part of his team to face Barcelona until something changes.
“In the world of football, a lot of things happen, and everything usually happens at the last minute. I am always communicating with the sporting director. We are prepared for anything that could happen.
“When the window closes, I will have the best possible squad and I will not make any excuses.”
Victor Orta is essential as Middlesbrough face Leeds and Celtic.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned sporting director is well-known among Leeds fans.
Victor Orta believes that Iheanacho has disappointed in Spain, having failed to score in nine La Liga games. And the former Leeds director appeared to confirm that the now-28-year-old will be allowed to move on loan, though Middlesbrough are now supposedly at the top of a line that includes Scottish champions Celtic.
According to sources, Iheanacho is set for a medical at the Riverside. As consequence, Leeds will miss out unless a late hi-jack is both tried and successful.
“The club has received some offers that we have forwarded to him and he is evaluating, like the rest of the players, what would be his best option,” Orta explained a few days ago. “It is a question of the player being able to select his best choice for the following six months.
“As I mentioned in the previous press conference, we all expect Iheanacho to play better. However, I believe that the performances have little to do with the footballer’s quality.
“In fact, he has attracted interest from other teams. Currently, the market is open. He understands his condition. I think he wants to play more because he has that feeling that he believes he can still contribute more. We will see what happens until Monday.”
Daniel Farke prefers his forwards to drop deep and link the play. Piroe had an outstanding part in that Cardiff defeat.
Interestingly, during Iheanacho’s best days at Leicester City, he almost played as a number ten, with Jamie Vardy trailing behind.
