Over the next few months, Leeds United will assess their squad’s weaknesses as the 2024-25 Championship season goes by. One position that could improve once the January window opens is the No. 9 position.
This past summer, the Whites lost a lot of goals with the departure of Crysencio Summerville to West Ham United and Georginio Rutter to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Leeds have played six matches so far this season (five league contests and one EFL Cup game) and they have been held scoreless in three of those matches. As a result, consistent goal-scoring could be an issue for the squad this season.
Is goal-scoring help on the way?
The January window is three and a half months away, but there’s no doubt that one area that needs improving is the striker position. Mateo Joseph has shown promise, but it might be too much responsibility to place on the 20-year-old to shoulder all the goal-scoring duties.
Moreover, he showed against Burnley that he can struggle in big-time matches. BBC commentator Scott Read didn’t hide his criticism of Joseph’s missed chance to give Leeds a goal in the game.
“A terrible mistake at the back and a huge get out of jail free card for Burnley,” Read said. “In theory, they should be 1-0 down. But it’s a stinking finish from Mateo Joseph.”
Meanwhile, Patrick Bamford has been injured, so it’s unclear whether the veteran forward can stay healthy for the entire season. If Bamford has injury issues, Leeds will have to find another No. 9 who can consistently score goals for them.
Football Insider reported on Sunday that Leed will back manager Daniel Farke with the funds to sign a new striker in January. A move for Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda is unlikely, as the Black Cats are unwilling to strengthen a potential promotion rival.
If Leeds pursues another striker, it could likely come from abroad as Championship clubs could decide not to bolster a rival. The question will be, can they convince the player to drop to England’s second tier? Over the summer, the Whites were linked to various quality players, but the main issue was persuading them to play in the Championship.
