Leeds United’s decision not to sign a striker in the summer transfer window left everyone baffled, as many felt they needed one.
The Whites agreed to loan Joel Piroe to West Ham in the summer. However, the club decided not to replace him and strengthened other areas of the squad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains Leeds’ primary goalscorer, and the club are comfortable with Lukas Nmecha as the 29-year-old’s only backup.
Leeds could bring in a striker in the winter window, and the club’s scouts have been closely watching a young forward.
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Leeds tipped to sign striker after his heroics against England
Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan is one young striker heavily linked with a move to Leeds in the upcoming transfer windows.
Leeds scouts attended when the forward scored twice in the Ireland Under-21s’ 3-1 win over England during the international break.
Irish football expert Ronan Calvert has backed the forward as a smart signing for Leeds if he joins Elland Road soon.
He stressed that Lonergan is not only technically sound but also has the physical and athletic attributes to play for Farke’s side.
“Tommy Lonergan would be a very smart signing for Leeds”, Calvert was quoted as saying by TEAMtalk.
“He was always athletic, but Lonergan is now strikingly physical, and he is using his frame to outmuscle defenders and get driven shots away or direct sweet headers past helpless ‘keepers on a pretty regular basis.”
“Many technically sound players have crossed the Irish Sea before and not seen their form translate, but the sheer size and determination of Lonergan would make you fairly confident that he has what it takes to take on the challenge of English football.
“He’s a handful of a striker, and in this kind of form, there’s very little that he’s not able to do.”
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Does he suit Leeds?
Tommy Lonergan could be an interesting option for Leeds United, but whether he is the right fit depends on what Daniel Farke wants from his attacking options.
Leeds need players who can contribute immediately, while also keeping an eye on younger talent who could develop into valuable first-team assets.
Lonergan’s recent form makes it worth a closer look. The Waterford striker has scored 14 goals in the League of Ireland Premier Division this season and recently grabbed a brace for Ireland Under-21s against England.
At 22, he has room to develop, but moving to the Premier League would be a significant step up. Leeds could view him as a longer-term investment rather than an immediate solution.
If Farke believes Lonergan’s physicality and finishing can translate to English football, pursuing him makes sense, provided the fee is reasonable.
Worth investigating.