Leeds Utd analysis: Daniel Farke’s Whites march on without any transfer investment
It was business as usual for Leeds United as they swept aside Watford 4-0 to extend their lead at the top of the Championship to five points.
Dan James’ brace, Manor Solomon’s deflected effort and a composed finish from Joel Piroe were enough to sting the Hornets and extend the Whites’ unbeaten league run to 14 games.
After Millwall knocked them out of the FA Cup at the weekend, Daniel Farke and his side had the perfect reaction as they continued their push for a return to the Premier League.
However, the Leeds fanbase were much displeased by the club’s activities in the January transfer window, as Farke made good on his promise that there would likely be no incomings.
With a 23-man squad and the potential for recurring injuries, Transfer News Blitz’s writer Harry Whitfield reviews whether the Whites were right not to add to their squad.
No Piroe, no party
The Dutchman added to his tally on Tuesday with a superbly taken goal, dancing around the Watford defenders to coolly slot home his 14th goal of the season - one behind Championship top scorer Borja Sainz.
Whilst he lacks mobility and the ability to press the backline with intensity, like his understudy Mateo Joseph, Piroe makes up for it with his technical ability.
But if the former Swansea City man was to get injured, alarm bells would be ringing.
The Whites’ third-choice striker, Patrick Bamford, has been out with an injury for most of the season, and Joseph has scored just three goals this season.
It’s fair to say Leeds’ promotion hopes rest on the fitness and form of the 25-year-old.
Whites miss out on key target
One player that caught Farke’s attention towards the end of the window was Southampton striker Cameron Archer.
Leeds reportedly explored a deal for the ex-Middlesbrough loanee, but the Saints insisted Archer wasn’t available for loan.
It’s a crying shame because if there is one trend of Leeds teams over the years, it is the consistent ability not to invest in January to solidify a promotion push.
Money, playing time and a player’s willingness to play are all factors as to why Farke may have been hesitant to pull the trigger for signing a forward.
But you can’t underestimate the value of having squad depth, as you never know who could suddenly end up injured or suspended.
Rivals strengthen
I’m not saying fans should compare Leeds’ business with rival teams, as different clubs require different solutions, and we are top of the league for a reason.
The reiterated message from the German boss has always been: Why change a winning formula?
But Leeds fans know all too well the history of this club towards the end of a league campaign - so having that extra bit of depth and quality surely would have aided any worries of a late-season collapse.
Another concern for Farke was an addition would overcrowd the squad.
Yet that wasn’t a worry for Sunderland or Sheffield United as they added marquee signings in Enzo Le Fee and Tom Cannon.
Both clubs have a squad size of 29, admittedly, injuries have forced their hands, but they are well-prepared for losses to key players. Leeds aren’t.
Concerns over nothing?
It must be hard to believe that fans of Leeds are in a position to complain about a lack of signings, considering the position Farke has his side in.
Looking at the situation and seeing the glass half full, without injuries for the remaining 14 games, promotion looks very likely.
The key moments of the season lie ahead in the next two games.
Back-to-back clashes with promotion-hunting sides await - the first a home match against the Black Cats before a trip to Bramall Lane to face Chris Wilder’s side.
Sunderland will be the first meeting between the two sides since Illan Meslier’s blunder earlier in the season, which cost Leeds the three points in the dying seconds of the match at the Stadium of Light.
No pressure then.
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