Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has recognised the need for further reinforcements to his squad this summer transfer window, but is also aware that the club is somewhat bound by what can is “realistic to do” under the circumstances.
Farke’s comments came after his side secured an impressive 2-0 pre-season victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest yesterday evening at Burton’s Pirelli Stadium in a game in which his side were largely dominant.
Due to injuries – as well as several first team departures this summer – the German was forced to list a significant number of youth players in his starting XI: this time to great effect.
It was one of these younger talents, Ian Poveda, who added the Whites’ second goal following Patrick Bamford’s opener.
Due to the length and intensity of the Championship season, Farke acknowledged that his side will need bolstering before the transfer window closes. Given that the 46-year-old achieved promotion from the second-tier twice as league champions at former club Norwich, he is well qualified to make such claims.
Speaking to the media (as per Leeds Live) following the fixture, Farke said: “It’s always about what wishes and what is realistic to do.
“We have to say, 100 per cent, we need in many, many positions.
“We can’t rely, if we want to be an ambitious club, on just Ethan Ampadu in the centre of the park and if he’s not ready then perhaps on an 18-year-old guy in the number eight position, or a 17-year-old guy who has to lead then our midfield.
“It’s not possible, and also not healthy, for the development of the young lads, so they need players who they can lean on, where they can learn. I’m pretty pleased with the development of our young players.”
The arrival of goalkeeper Karl Darlow at Elland Road – widely expected to be imminent – provides Farke with options between the sticks, but by his own admission he is still somewhat lacking beyond them.
And, with 9 days to go until Leeds’ first game of the season against Cardiff City, time is of the essence to ensure that the Whites have enough strength-in-depth to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
