Leeds United will be very pleased with where they are at this point in the season, sitting a point clear at the top of the Championship.
However, there is plenty of football left to be played and therefore all eyes are on the clubs at the top of the league to see the additions they make during the winter transfer window.
Daniel Farke has repeatedly said that he expects the window to be a fairly quiet one for his side and at this point, there has been more movement out of Elland Road than arrivals.
Joe Gelhardt joined Hull City on loan for the remainder after playing just nine minutes of football for Farke so far this term.
However, Adam Pope has questioned this choice, writing on BBC Sport: “It leaves United light in the striker department, despite Farke insisting the club ‘will stay awake’ and reiterating his expectation of ‘a quiet window’.”
“Goals are coming from elsewhere in Brenden Aaronson and the wide men but, for some, there is a feeling Leeds could be caught waiting in the wings with promotion in sight.”
Daniel Farke can’t afford to be slow with striker signings at Leeds United.
Gelhardt’s exit was a logical move by the German, given that he has played relatively little minutes this season and needs game time to advance his stalled career.
Furthermore, with two and a half years remaining on his contract, he has the opportunity to return to Elland Road and contribute to their efforts in the years ahead.
However, his departure leaves the Whites relatively light, and while the manager may not want to rock the boat too much ahead of the second half of the season, if he is too carefree in his approach, his team might easily fall short.
Patrick Bamford is injured, but even when fully fit, he is not a player Farke wants to rely on at this point.
Therefore, while there are goals from elsewhere in the squad, the boss has to add a proper striker to his ranks as Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph are underperforming for a side that is seeking promotion to the top flight.
Waiting too long to act could potentially be the difference between automatic promotion and a play-off campaign for Leeds which means it’s vital for Farke to take a proactive approach to adding to his side.
