Leeds United face difficult decisions as the January transfer window opens, particularly over which players deserve a long-term place in Daniel Farke’s plans.
The club cannot afford to waste significant money on players who have yet to demonstrate they can make a consistent difference in the Premier League. With Leeds struggling to find enough quality in the final third, every squad place and potential transfer commitment matters.
Saturday’s defeat at Bournemouth reminded everyone that Farke needs more from his attacking options. Leeds were beaten 2-0, with their lack of threat becoming increasingly apparent as the game progressed. Players on the fringes had chances to make a case for greater involvement, but one substitute did little to convince the manager.
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Bahoya fails to make his case
Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s third appearance from the bench was another underwhelming outing, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to see why Leeds should commit £26m to signing him permanently.
The French winger was introduced late in the second half but struggled to make any meaningful impact. His attempt on goal was particularly disappointing, flying well off target when he needed to offer something more convincing.
It wasn’t just his forward contribution that raised questions. Bahoya also failed to show the defensive awareness and urgency Leeds needed when they were trying to keep Bournemouth at bay.
In stoppage time, Amine Adli put the result beyond doubt for the hosts. Bahoya did not track back effectively enough to prevent the Bournemouth attacker from getting into a position to score, leaving another sour note on an already disappointing afternoon.
For a player trying to persuade Farke that he deserves more minutes, it was hardly the kind of cameo that strengthens his argument.
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Leeds have little reason to trigger the obligation
Leeds’ arrangement with Eintracht Frankfurt includes an obligation to buy Bahoya once he reaches a certain number of appearances. He has made just three outings so far, all from the bench, and still needs to reach that threshold before the permanent transfer is triggered.
That leaves Farke with a decision. He can give the winger more opportunities and move Leeds closer to a £26m commitment, or keep his involvement limited while assessing whether he has enough to offer.
Based on what Bahoya produced against Bournemouth, there was little encouragement to take the first route.
Leeds need more attacking quality, but spending £26m simply because a loan arrangement requires a certain number of appearances would be poor business. Bahoya may yet improve and prove his worth, but he needs to offer considerably more than he has shown so far.
At present, his permanent move looks far from inevitable.
