Leeds United remain active in the January transfer market with just one day left, as they look to further strengthen their squad ahead of the deadline.
Despite operating within tight financial parameters, the Whites have already improved their attacking depth by securing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton, having failed to land the same deal last summer.
Leeds are now exploring striker options and are believed to be accelerating discussions for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen, with his proposed move to Crystal Palace now likely to collapse following significant developments last week.
However, Daniel Farke has revealed concerns about other areas of the squad, and the club are under some pressure to take a gamble on transfer deadline day on Monday.
Baffling decision made at Leeds United ahead of deadline day
Farke made his feelings clear about the club’s goalkeeping situation following their chastening defeat at home against Arsenal on Saturday.
The Leeds boss is keen to bring in a new goalkeeper before the end of the transfer window, but it seems the decision-makers behind the scenes have other ideas.
| Goalkeeping Metrics | |
|---|---|
| Total Saves | 4 |
| Goals Prevented | -2.6 |
| Saves from Inside the Box | 3 |
| Punches | 1 |
| High Claims | 0 |
According to The Athletic, key recruitment figures are insistent they only want to sign players in the ongoing window who can be difference makers in the team.
Leeds do not believe that the pool of goalkeepers who could be difference makers is small, and they may not have the time or funds to do a deal in time.
The club are happy to spend £40m on Jorgen Strand Larsen, who they believe is a difference-maker even though they already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin in that position, who is arguably their most important player.
At the moment, it seems unlikely that Leeds are going to sign a new goalkeeper despite Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow’s struggles for consistency this season.
Read More: Leeds offered the chance to sign former Aston Villa striker
It’s a baffling decision
If Leeds end up signing Strand Larsen, who has scored one Premier League goal this season, they are essentially banking on outscoring teamsthis season.
This is a huge gamble for a promoted team to essentially bank on the forward line to rescue the side every time they concede a cheap goal due to an inconsistent goalkeeper.
Leeds face a key call over whether to redirect their efforts if Wolves stand firm and refuse to soften their demands on Strand Larsen.
The Whites are believed to have around £40m available to spend in the final 24 hours of the window, and Farke has already made it clear that signing a new goalkeeper is on his agenda.
Should a move for Strand Larsen fail to materialise before the deadline, Leeds would be justified in turning their full attention towards securing a goalkeeper, a position that should be a priority at Elland Road.
