Leeds United decided against signing a striker in the last summer transfer window despite the lack of a prolific goalscorer beyond Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Managing director Robbie Evans claimed last week that Leeds had no desire to sign a striker who was going to compete with Calvert-Lewin for a place in the team.
Leeds were only interested in bringing in a backup, and they didn’t find the right player who was going to be the right fit for that role in the squad this summer.
The club were looking at several strikers, and it seems that their unwillingness to sign genuine competition for Calvert-Lewin meant they ignored some genuinely good options.
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Ignored by Leeds and now scores Premier League winner at new club
If Leeds brought in a striker, they were looking to bring in a Premier League-proven performer, and they had all summer to sign such a target.
Zian Flemming was heavily linked with a move to Leeds all summer after Burnley got relegated last season. He scored 11 Premier League goals in 21 starts for the Clarets and was expected to return to the top flight.
However, Leeds never made a concrete offer for him despite holding an interest, and he joined Ipswich Town late in the transfer window.
The Dutchman has made an immediate impact by scoring a precious late winner in Ipswich’s 3-2 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Flemming produced an exquisite finish late in the game to display his quality in front of goal as Ipswich walked away with all three points from South London.
Ipswich now have a striker in their squad who has consistently shown his quality in the Premier League goal and could play a huge role in their survival this season.
Zian Flemming’s 90th-minute winner seals all three points for @IpswichTown! 👏 pic.twitter.com/WYuMFMADgV
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 12, 2026
Leeds have gambled big on Calvert-Lewin’s fitness
Robbie Evans’ admission that Leeds deliberately chose not to sign a striker capable of challenging Dominic Calvert-Lewin is difficult to understand. Competition for places is usually healthy, and having another genuine option up front would have given Daniel Farke more flexibility.
There is also the obvious concern surrounding Calvert-Lewin’s injury record. Leeds are taking a significant gamble by relying so heavily on the 29-year-old to stay fit and maintain his goalscoring form throughout another demanding season.
If Calvert-Lewin does pick up a serious injury or simply struggles to reproduce his best form, Leeds could find themselves in trouble. There is no other striker in the squad who can comfortably step into his role and provide the same level of quality.
Ultimately, this was a decision made by the club. Leeds had the opportunity to strengthen their options up front but chose not to, and they will be hoping that gamble does not come back to haunt them.
We can get a better man than Flemming when the time is right and at 28 he is not a long term addition. He probably would be a waste of money and at this stage of his career would not relish being mostly on the bench.