Leeds line-up returns for ‘excellent’ striker

Leeds United have the opportunity to dip into the market to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window, which officially opened last week.

The Whites are just one point ahead of Sheffield United and Burnley in second and third, and that means their place in the automatic promotion spots is far from secure.

Daniel FarkeHis side cannot afford to keep slipping if their opponents continue to pick up points, as a disappointing draw with Hull cost them two points.

The German manager, despite seeing his side slip out of the play-offs last season, knows what it takes to win a title race in Championshiphaving done so twice during his time with Norwich City.

Farke lifted the Second Division title in the 2018/19 and 2020/21 campaigns, the latter of which saw him add Dimis Giannoulis at left-back in the January window, suggesting he knows the value a winter addition can provide. in a title race.

The Leeds boss, however, is reportedly looking at attacking options to come in and strengthen his Whites squad ahead of the February deadline.

Leeds are eyeing a new centre-forward

According to the print edition of the Daily Mail (06/01/2025), as relayed MOT Leeds Newsthe club are interested in a deal to sign Hoffenheim striker Merkim Berisha.

Your changes have been saved

Transportation focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big name failures. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across the Football FanCast.

The report claims the 49ers and Co are lining up a Leeds swoop to bring the centre-forward to Elland Road this month to give him another option in the forward areas of the pitch.

He did not reveal, however, how much Hoffenheim would demand from the Whites to seal a deal for the 26-year-old ace or whether they would be willing to listen to loan offers for his services.

The striker is just getting started three of his 11 appearances in the Bundesliga so far this season, suggesting he has not been first choice for the German side as the striker has not played regular football and could be open to a move away from the club before the second half of the season.

However, it remains to be seen how viable a deal is for Leeds in the January transfer window as there has been no mention of a potential price or Hoffenheim’s stance on the situation.

The West Yorkshire outfit interested in signing Berisha, however, should be bad news for a player in the current Leeds squad as it could mean the end of Patrick Bamford’s career at Elland Road draws ever closer .

Because this is bad news for Patrick Bamford

The former England international has already competed for time in the Championship so far this season, with zero starts in the division, and the arrival of another forward would push him further down the pecking order.

Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph have shared league starts between them, as both have been preferred ahead of him – and often as the first attacking switch off the bench when the other has started – by Farke.

Berisha’s entry could prevent Bamford from even making a matchday squad, as having three recognized number nines on the bench when Leeds play one in their usual formation would be too much.

The English forward has played 127 minutes in ten league substitute appearances this season, which suggests he has already struggled for minutes without the introduction of a third competitor in his place.

As you can see in the table above, Bamford featured in 33 of the club’s 46 regular-season games in the Championship last term, but was unsuccessful in front of goal with eight goals from 9.52 xG.

The prodigal forward found himself at the bottom of the impressive pile as a result of his struggles on the pitch, with Joseph and Piroe firmly ahead of him in the pecking order.

Bamford was linked to January output from Elland Road and Berisha’s signing could confirm the end of his Yorkshire career due to the place it would leave him in the team.

Why Leeds should sign Merkim Berisha

It’s worth saying that Leeds don’t desperately need a new number nine to come in and start every game to lead the team to promotion, although Farke would certainly love to find a 25-goal-a-season marksman to deliver on the week – within a week.

Piroe has scored ten goals and provided five assists in 16 league starts for Leeds, showing the Dutchman has provided a major threat at the top of the pitch for the German manager.

That means the Whites can afford to play with any forward addition this month, and that’s exactly what Berisha’s signing would be, as he hasn’t played much in the last 18 months.

The German international suffered ACL injury That kept him out from November 2023 until July 2024 and that limited him to just 19 Bundesliga appearances since the start of last season.

His form in the 2022/23 campaign, however, suggests there is potential for him to come in as an exciting addition for Leeds if Farke can help him get back to his best.

As you can see in the table above, Berisha, who was hailed as “excellent” in the box by Augsburg boss Enrico Maassen that season, he offered plenty of quality in the final third, both as a scorer and goal-creator.

The 26-year-old star also made a splash 14 goals and 13 “big chances” were created. in 24 starts for RB Salzburg during the 2020/21 season, which shows he has been a regular at the top of the pitch for many of his previous teams in the past – before his long-term injury.

Related

Farke’s new Godfrey: Leeds in talks to sign ‘Rolls Royce’ defender

Leeds United are interested in bringing the Premier League defender to Elland Road.

That’s why Leeds should take the risk and bet on Berisha coming in as Bamford’s replacement to get back to his best and compete with Pairoe and Joseph for a starting spot.