A lot of Leeds United’s summer signings have made their mark early this season. The Whites made some significant additions in the summer window.
Last year, the team got depth and key pieces needed for survival, but the last window saw the 49ers eye ambition. They paid a lot of money to sign James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson.
It is very early in the season, but some signings have proven their worth.
Trafford has been excellent between the sticks while Muharemovic has been a pleasant surprise to everyone. Other signings have not gotten their chance to shine yet, but it is a long season.
Daniel Farke gives brutal verdict on Leeds summer signing
Jean-Matteo Bahoya
Credit: Imago
One player that has been on everyone’s lips at Elland Road is Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
The young forward arrived from Frankfurt on deadline day on a loan deal with an option to buy. From the end of the window, Farke and club chief Robbie Evans have made it clear that the Frenchman is one for the future.
Since then, the 21-year old has made his debut and played 11 minutes in total.
Regardless of that, fans and journalists have called for Bahoya to start games. When the topic came up again ahead of the Bournemouth clash, Farke gave a lengthy explanation detailing the player and how he will fit in the team going forward.
”I’d like to know why there is all this hype around Jean-Matteo. I do my weekly shopping in a local supermarket and every week, the topic is Jean-Matteo. I spoke to a boy who said ‘Ah Daniel, you have to bring Jean-Matteo on because he’s brilliant’. I said you know him? ‘No’. Where have you seen him? ‘Haven’t seen him, I’ve just heard it!’”
”I love Jean-Matteo, I don’t want to change it but the problem we have is the perception of this story. Everyone loves a winger but I’ve spoken 10 times about the situation when we signed him.”
”If you make too much hype around a young lad, this can’t be a success. I’m asked about him in every press conference, as much as I like him, being in the spotlight is not healthy for him.”
He the asked for time and patience to develop Bahoya, who has very high potential.
”If you’d like to help make a success of him, I just ask very politely not to ask me in each and every press conference and not in the supermarket. Give him time, let him breathe then we can develop him.”
”No one in this club who loves and backs him more than me, but let’s stop this unbelievable hype. Believe me, it’s not healthy.”
READ MORE: Leeds dealt fresh injury scare as Farke reveals Bournemouth doubt
Fans should trust Daniel Farke
Farke has already seen through some of the club’s brightest talents.
Georginio Rutter looked so out of place until he played under the Leeds boss. Summerville had his best season under him, and Struijk also came along nicely.
Trusting Archie Gray at a young age shows that sometimes Farke knows what he is doing. He handled the midfielder well as he made his way to the first team.
And Bahoya is next; fans must not rush the new signing just because they want to watch him. He needs to develop and adapt to this level before he can become a regular, and Farke is the man who can put him on that path.
