Leeds United are apparently in talks to sign a versatile defender who Daniel Farke knows well
Leeds looking for new defenders
On Wednesday evening, the Whites won their fifth consecutive game of 2024, defeating Farke’s former side Norwich City 1-0 in the Championship thanks to a Patrick Bamford header.
The result brings Leeds closer to Ipswich Town and Southampton in the fight for automatic promotion, with the focus now shifting to the transfer market and an FA Cup fourth-round match against Plymouth Argyle this weekend. In prior discussions regarding transfers, Farke hinted to the necessity for additions at the back, saying:
“We could do with more numbers in defensive positions. But in the last weeks, there was a chance for other players to step up – like [Junior] Firpo and [Ilia] Gruev”.
“I won’t lie. A few additions in defensive positions would be helpful. But it has to make sense for us. If not, we go with what we’ve got and I trust my group. We are in a good position. We didn’t win it in the lottery. We won it with good development.”
Some defenders connected with a move to Yorkshire include Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies, West Ham’s Ben Johnson, and Burnley’s Connor Roberts.
Everton’s Ben Godfrey has also been identified as a target, and there is a new transfer development involving the 26-year-old.
Leeds open Ben Godfrey discusses.
According to Football Insider, Leeds ‘have initiated preliminary talks regarding a loan-to-buy deal’ for Godfrey, who earns £75,000 per week on Merseyside. Sean Dyche has given the go-ahead for the centre-back to leave Goodison Park, and the Whites are now in talks with the Toffees.
Godfrey, who has played everywhere across the backline and even as a holding midfielder during his career, was part of Farke‘s Norwich side that won the Championship title twice in a row, making 72 games under the German
He hasn’t played much for the Toffees this season, making only two Premier League appearances, but a reunion with Farke in the second division could appeal to Godfrey, who has been dubbed a “monster” by the media.
He’d give insurance in a variety of defense positions, potentially allowing Ethan Ampadu to return to midfield. Farke previously praised Godfrey, saying:
“You may talk about the best centre-backs in the world right now, but by 19, 20, they will have made mistakes.
The best ones learn. Ben is playing flawlessly, which is great.
“He’s a very emotional player, which I enjoy because it implies you can find another gear. When he played in the holding [midfield] position, he was able to carry his team, but now that he plays at centre-back, if we are losing or having a difficult spell and he begins to get the red mist, we must calm him down.
“Now he is able to calm himself down, to focus and control his emotions.”
A move could be something to keep an eye on, although Fabrizio Romano has added that Genoa are also interested in the Everton man.
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