Leeds United squad audit after transfer deadline day amid Daniel Farke depth statement | OneFootball

Leeds United have completed six signings plus the free capture of Harry Wilson, reinforcing Daniel Farke’s 3-4-2-1 without greatly inflating numbers. The deadline-day double addition, which included Melvin Bard, has bolstered depth across most areas, though up front still looks light.

According to Leeds Live, Farke is pleased with recruitment but accepts the squad is not overly big, with many arrivals effectively man-for-man replacements.

James Trafford is clear first choice in goal. Michael Zetterer may see only limited minutes, perhaps a single FA Cup tie, with Alex Cairns third choice.

Jayden Bogle leads at right wing-back, although James Justin displaced him at one stage last season and remains the utility option. Daniel James has recently played a hybrid wing-back role.

There are only four natural centre-backs for a back three, a risk highlighted by Joe Rodon’s injury. Rodon, Jaka Bijol, Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi are first picks, with Justin cover. Leeds want Ethan Ampadu in midfield, and Alfie Cresswell remains raw.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is first choice at left wing-back when fit, though two hamstring issues in the past six months linger. Bard offers specialist cover, likely limiting Justin’s switches, while Jayden Lienou’s chances now look slim.

Ampadu and Anton Stach are the settled midfield pair. Sean Longstaff pushed in pre-season but Stach still got the nod, Ao Tanaka has been loose in possession, and Ilia Gruev should cover once fit. Brenden Aaronson can drop in if Farke uses a back four.

On the right of the attack, Wilson holds the shirt, though he was left out against Brentford for Aaronson. James can stretch play or operate as a winger.

Noah Okafor starts on the left, with Jean-Matteo Bahoya likely to replace him after the hour. Aaronson is again a flexible alternative.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin leads the line with Lukas Nmecha as deputy, a lack of deeper cover that concerns supporters. Okafor is an emergency nine only, and Bahoya has played there eight times without scoring, so should not be considered a realistic option.

Source: Leeds Live

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”