In the event of a striker injury issue, Daniel Farke could have to think creatively due to Joe Gelhardt’s impending departure.
With their January striker intentions, Leeds United is definitely taking a chance. The club is approaching the market opportunistically and anticipates a quiet transfer window.
They will take action if a deal is available, but otherwise, Daniel Farke is more focused on keeping the team’s spirit high before the season’s final stretch. But if a few cogs come loose, this weekend brought home the stark reality that United may have to deal with.
Despite not starting a Championship game this season, Patrick Bamford’s four-week absence gave Farke one less option when Joel Piroe was told to rest due to injury.
As a result, Mateo Joseph led the line in Saturday’s FA Cup victory over Harrogate Town, although despite his constant running, he produced little.
Despite playing in every league game and only starting five games since September, the 21-year-old Spaniard has not scored since October 18.
Additionally, Farke will have fewer natural number nines to turn on in the event that top scorer Piroe, the only player to achieve double digits thus far, becomes unavailable due to Joe Gelhardt‘s impending loan move to Hull City.
After determining that it was not worth it to include Piroe against Harrogate, Farke described his muscular problem as minimal, meaning he might return to play this Sunday against Sheffield Wednesday.
The manager hasn’t ruled out a move for a forward before deadline day because United’s attacking options are greatly reduced without the Dutchman. Last Monday, Farke clarified his stance on the hiring of strikers, saying he is “not in panic mode.”
“But given what is happening in January right now, it is definitely a position we should be aware of,” he continued. Naturally, there is a chance that Piroe will be sidelined later on if no one is brought in before February 3.
As a result, some fans believe that the club is disregarding safety precautions with its transfer policy. Although Bamford might make a comeback by the end of January, he hasn’t really contributed anything to Farke’s plans this season. However, if necessary, the manager has indicated that he has a wildcard striker option.
“We have Joel Piroe Mateo Joseph, a few young prospects in our academy – and perhaps a player like Willy Gnonto can also play striker,” Farke stated when discussing his striker options outside of Bamford.
In August 2023, Gnonto began as a center-forward in Farke‘s debut game as manager, a 2-2 draw with Cardiff City. Despite playing 82 minutes, he was unable to score. Since then, the Italian has not started a match as the starting forward.
After progressing through the Inter Milan system and Italy under age groups, Gnonto spent a large portion of his time playing as a supporting striker for his former club, FC Zurich. Throughout his career, he has hardly ever been used as the central forward.
In Saturday’s match against Harrogate, Farke decided against starting the 21-year-old as a number 10, who is arguably the closest thing to a second striker. Instead, the star Manor Solomon took his place.
Farke has actually kept Gnonto on the flanks, where he has scored all 13 of his goals under the German coach, rather than starting him in that position at Leeds. Therefore, even though he considers Gnonto a possible central forward option, he might be a last alternative in the worst case.
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