Leeds Utd opinion: Whites must act fast in transfer window as Daniel Farke could face sack
Leeds United recently announced organisational changes as the club plans for the summer transfer window.
Big changes to the Whites’ leadership roles have taken place following CEO Angus Kinnear’s departure to Everton.
However, recent reports have suggested the 49ers are also considering changes to the management team, with the owners set to fly to England to discuss the future of Daniel Farke, according to The Guardian.
The German manager has led the Whites to promotion and is close to securing his third Championship title, but his record in the Premier League has raised doubts about his future.
With a return to the top flight of English football imminent, Transfer News Blitz’s Harry Whitfield shares why Leeds must act fast and get their priorities straight.
Key changes at Elland Road
Upon securing promotion, a decision needed to be made quickly regarding the club’s operational structure, and it was.
Robbie Evans has been promoted to managing director, having joined the club as chief strategy officer in 2023, whilst Adam Underwood has become the new sporting director.
The former head of football operations, Underwood, will work closely with Evans and the head of recruitment, Alex Davies, to oversee Leeds’ transfer strategy as they venture back into the Premier League.
The club have also unveiled plans to redevelop the iconic Elland Road stadium, alongside planned work to the surrounding area, as they released proposed images of the updated ground, which would see the capacity increase to around 53,000.
What’s next?
Leeds chase crowning glory against Plymouth Argyle on the final day, as a 6-0 rout of Stoke City helped secure promotion and spark iconic scenes outside the ground.
Whilst there will be time for more celebrations, with a parade through the city planned for May 5, Farke will have to make some big decisions next week.
There are a few out-of-contract players and loanees whose futures need to be discussed.
Junior Firpo and Sam Byram’s contracts both run out in the summer, and the club must decide whether to sign Manor Solomon or Joe Rothwell permanently.
There is no doubt that Firpo has been one of the best full-backs in the Championship this season, but in the Premier League, he could get exposed, and surely won’t have the freedom to bomb down the wing as he has done in the second tier.
He could still be a good squad player, like Byram, but if he wishes to play regular football, then it would be best to part ways.
As for re-signing a loan player, it makes sense to try and sign Solomon permanently after a decent haul of 22 goal contributions.
If the money makes sense, why not?
If the Israeli winger can keep fit, he should be able to make the step up in my opinion and prove he deserves a second chance in the Premier League.
Transfer strategy – what is needed?
Where do you start? A striker, a number 10, a goalkeeper, a left-back – the list goes on.
Everyone knows Leeds have a humongous task next season in trying to avoid relegation – the promoted clubs have all suffered the same fate as the class of 2024 did, Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town.
The club will have to learn from the previous failures of others, find value in the foreign market, and, most importantly, spend a ton of money.
Sounds easy, doesn’t it?
However, options for a goalkeeper have been mentioned, such as Wolves' Sam Johnstone, freshly relegated Aaron Ramsdale or Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
All would be great options, but as I have stressed before, get it done early!
Farke in or out?
It will be a daunting task for Farke, but one I’m sure he will relish given the chance.
One that he should get, as it will be cruel to sack a manager who has delivered a promotion-winning season with 100 points.
I understand that you should always assess the situation if a better manager is available, but I can’t think of an option that Leeds could realistically recruit at this point in time.
So don’t mess about, stick to your guns and move forward with Farke.
Who knows, he may surprise us all and prove the doubters wrong.
It will be a season of faith and trust for Leeds fans next season, alongside, I’m sure, some difficult days.
But I am ever an optimist, somehow, that the Whites can beat the odds and stay up.
We’ll get a better idea once the squad starts to come together ahead of the first match back in the top flight.
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