Leeds United’s transfer window may be closed, but Daniel Farke still has the option of turning to the free-agent market if he feels his squad needs another striker.
The Whites ended deadline day without adding another centre-forward, leaving Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha as Farke’s main options up front. Some players can fill in across the attack, but the demands of a Premier League season can quickly test a squad’s depth.
Free agents give Leeds another route.
Players without a club can still sign after the transfer window closes, meaning the Whites could add another striker during the season if the need arises. Here are three experienced forwards who could be worth considering.
1. Mauro Icardi
Mauro Icardi is arguably the biggest name still available.
The Argentine became a free agent after his Galatasaray contract expired in June. He spent four seasons in Turkey, scoring 77 goals and becoming one of the club’s most prolific forwards.
Icardi is now 33, but his game has never been based solely on pace. His biggest strengths are movement, positioning and finishing. He remains the kind of striker who can spend much of a match quiet before appearing in the right place inside the box.
That could give Leeds something different that they don’t have.
Calvert-Lewin offers physicality and can lead the line, while Nmecha provides another profile. Icardi would give Farke a specialist penalty-box striker who thrives on chances and makes a difference from the bench in tight games.
The problem is competition. Lazio are interested in bringing him back to Serie A, while Icardi is believed to be considering the sporting project and European football when deciding his next move.
A move to Leeds therefore looks difficult, but if they could pull it off, Icardi would give Farke a proven goalscorer.
Verdict: The biggest name, but probably the hardest deal to complete.
2. Joselu
Joselu could be a more practical option.
The 36-year-old is available after leaving Al-Gharafa and has already attracted interest from other clubs. He also knows English football well, having previously played for Stoke City and Newcastle United.
His recent career shows that he can still contribute at a high level. During the 2023/24 season, Joselu played an important role for Real Madrid and famously scored twice against Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final second leg. He later became a European champion with Spain.
At 6ft 4in, Joselu would give Farke another physical presence up front. He can hold the ball up, compete in the air and provide an outlet when Leeds need to play more directly.
Like Icardi, though, he would be a short-term solution due to his age.
Verdict: A sensible option if Leeds want experience and physicality.
3. Jamie Vardy
Jamie Vardy is the name that will naturally attract the most attention.
The former Leicester captain remains without a club after leaving Cremonese following their relegation from Serie A. He scored seven goals and supplied three assists in 29 league appearances last season.
At 39, Vardy clearly would not represent a long-term investment. However, he still offers something Leeds could use.
Vardy knows the Premier League inside out. He scored 198 goals for Leicester, won the Premier League title in 2016 and spent years punishing defenders with his movement and finishing.
His pace is not what it once was, but his ability to find space and make runs behind a defensive line remains valuable.
He could also complement Calvert-Lewin rather than simply compete with him. While the latter provides a physical focal point, Vardy could offer Farke a more direct threat in behind.
There is interest from other clubs, including Wrexham and West Ham, but his free-agent status means he can take his time over the next move.
Verdict: The wild card entry but an appealing short-term option.
