Leeds United signed seven new players in the summer to improve a squad that finished 14th in the Premier League table last season.
However, one obvious weakness remains in the squad after Leeds opted not to address their lack of depth up front by signing another striker during the last transfer window.
Leeds relied heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals last season, and little is likely to change this campaign. With the 29-year-old leading the line, his availability and fitness could prove crucial to how the Whites’ season unfolds.
One of the forwards Leeds were tracking for more than a year changed clubs in the summer, and he has now scored a winning goal in the Champions League.
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Striker linked with Leeds United scores winner in Champions League clash
Leeds were keeping tabs on former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott for more than a year, and the club seriously considered signing him in the last few windows.
However, AZ Alkmaar’s asking price was a bit too high for him, and Leeds eventually decided against signing the Irish striker.
West Ham were also interested in Parrott last summer before securing a deal to sign Joel Piroe on loan from Leeds United in the last transfer window.
Real Betis eventually finalised a deal to sign the forward, and the striker has been delivering since moving to Spain this summer.
He scored the winner for Betis against Real Madrid at the weekend, and on Tuesday night he made a huge impact in the Champions League.
Parrott stepped up and scored a big winner in Betis’ 3-2 win over Lille away from home in their first Champions League fixture of the season.
The Ireland international has won over fans in Spain and is now showing what Leeds could have had if they had pushed the boat out to sign him this summer.
Betis take the lead with a goal from Parrott 🔥
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 8, 2026
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Leeds have gambled by not signing a striker
Daniel Farke admitted at the end of the transfer window that he would have liked to sign one or two more forwards to improve his team in the final third.
As things stand, Leeds are again heavily dependent on Calvert-Lewin remaining fit and emulating his performances, where he scored 14 Premier League goals.
Lukas Nmecha is a solid option from the bench, but he has never been a prolific goalscorer in his career. Beyond those two, Leeds are scraping the barrel.
The club hope that Harry Wilson’s hits last season form and add to the goals tally to ease the presure on Calvert-Lewin. But they do not have another striker in their ranks.
He’s a pretty boy but signing Parrott would’ve been the same as not signing a striker.