Daniel Farke mentioned that Leeds United’s deadline day signings are eligible to play on Saturday. But he also added that one of them may not be ready to make an immediate impact in the first team.
Melvin Bard and Jean-Matteo Bahoya joined the Whites on deadline day, and were registered in time to face Brighton.
Farke mentioned that after training on Friday, the club would make a decision on if the duo could be ready to make the matchday squad for the road trip.
Bard joined on loan, with the club needing depth in defence.
Club sources have already made it clear that they do not have very high expectations for the 25-year old.
Leeds United star may not be ready according to Daniel Farke
Jean-Matteo Bahoya. Credit: LUFC
Jean-Matteo Bahoya also arrived after the transfer deadline.
Leeds United signed the winger on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. Per reports, the clause is appearance based, even though there is no word on how many games it would take.
Daniel Farke mentioned that the winger was on the list, but as more of a ‘project’ player.
”In Jean-Matteo’s case, it was not like this. He was on our list before, and watched him before. I spoke with the Frankfurt sporting director about his character. Finalised on the last day but knew we would sign a project.” he said in Thursday’s press conference.
And in the same press conference, he mentioned that it is important to manage expectations.
”Good addition with Wilson and prospect in Jean-Matteo. Also important to manage expectations, we like him a lot but from Bundesliga and not playing too much at the end of last season. We’ll give him time and backing but want to develop him.”
This implies that the winger will not become a regular right away, and may be introduced into the team slowly.
Bahoya will have to prove himself in order to climb above Brenden Aaronson, Harry Wilson and Noah Okafor in the pecking order.
READ MORE: Leeds learn availability of deadline day signings ahead of Brighton clash
Wilfried Gnonto is an example of how things may not work out
Integrating young players into the first team is a complex process.
When Leeds United signed Wilfried Gnonto, he went straight into the first team. He was very impressive in his first few games, but unfortunately for him, the inconsistency around the club affected him.
Over the seasons, he has lost his place in the first team after making an impact as a starting player.
Daniel Farke only gave him the green light to leave on loan as he could not promise him first team minutes. Now, Leeds must avoid that happening with Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
He needs to be slowly introduced to first team football in England as he develops. If it pays off, the 49ers will have a very good player on their hands.
