Leeds United have played six matches across all competitions this 2024-25 season, and in three of them, they were held scoreless. Daniel Farke’s side couldn’t find the back of the net against Middlesbrough, West Bromwich Albion, and Burnley.
As a result, the question of pursuing a No. 9 in January has emerged over the past few days. Patrick Bamford has struggled with injuries early this season. Although Mateo Joseph has shown much promise, putting the entire scoring burden on him at just 20 years old might be too much to ask.
With the Whites pushing for promotion, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson thinks it’s time for the club to invest in a proven goal-scorer.
“If you want a top striker to get you out of the league, pay proper money to get a proven one,” Robinson told Football Insider.
While it’s easy to say Leeds need another striker, the issue remains which player they should pursue and whether they can convince him to drop to England’s second tier. Over the summer transfer window, Leeds reportedly had problems convincing targets to play in the Championship, leading to some potential deals falling by the wayside.
Ross Stewart to Elland Road?
Nonetheless, TBR Football presented one potential target that Leeds should consider in a few months once the transfer window opens again.
“Matteo Joseph has come into the starting 11 this season after impressing in cameo appearances last term,” the outlet noted. “Whilst he’s registered three goal involvements in five outings, the Spaniard has struggled to find that killer instinct in front of goal.
“Joseph is lacking in composure at the moment, which is understandable given his age, so Leeds should try to bring in the experienced Ross Stewart from Southampton. Stewart, who celebrated his 28th birthday over the summer, is behind Cameron Archer in the pecking order on the South Coast and could be available come Janaury.
“The former Sunderland forward is prolific at Championship level, having netted 10 times in 16 outings during his career. Stewart’s experience would really help Joseph and there’d be a lot less pressure on the young Spaniard to perform.”
It will be interesting to see if Stewart has an interest in going back to the Championship to be part of a Leeds squad that wants to be in the Premier League next season.
