Farke must brutally offload Leeds star who's been labelled "Rooney-esque"
da dobrowin： Daniel Farke has done an excellent job in charge of Leeds United to date, helping the club mount multiple serious attempts at promotion from the Championship since his arrival.
da bet vitoria： The German took the reins after the Whites dropped into the second tier at the end of 2022/23, desperately needing a fresh start to try and secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Whilst the 48-year-old was unable to win the play-off final last year, he’s managed to galvanise the squad this time around, sitting top of the table with just eight games remaining after the international break.
However, there are only two points separating the top three in the division, with Farke’s side battling it out with Sheffield United and Burnley for an automatic promotion spot.
Regardless of what division the club finds themselves in next season, multiple players’ futures need to be decided with numerous first-team members out of contract or needing to be sold.
Leeds transfer update ahead of the summer
Junior Firpo’s situation at Elland Road remains unsolved with his contract set to expire at the end of June, opening the door to a pre-contract agreement should any side offer him a deal.
It was previously reported earlier this week that three sides were in talks to sign the 28-year-old, with Real Betis, one of his former clubs, also in the race to sign him this summer.
As for Kalvin Phillips, he’s been a name constantly mentioned with a return to Yorkshire over the last couple of months, especially after his lack of impact since his £45m move to Manchester City.
He’s set to leave the Etihad on a permanent basis this summer, ending his three-year stint in the North West, with Pep Guardiola’s side demanding a fee in the region of £20m for his services.
Despite the aforementioned rumours, Farke desperately needs to make brutal decisions with players currently on the books, potentially offloading one player as a result.
The player who Farke must brutally offload this summer
Leeds’ frontline has so often produced the goods in 2024/25, with Joel Piroe currently sitting as the club’s top scorer on 15 goals, with Borja Sainz the only player to score more in the whole division.
Daniel James and Manor Solomon have both nailed down the wide roles in the first-team, with the pair contributing to 33 of the 76 goals scored by the club this term.
However, fellow attacker Joe Gelhardt has been unable to make such an impact under the German, struggling to nail down a starting place, eventually being loaned out to Hull City in January.
The 22-year-old joined from Wigan Atheltic back in 2020, with real potential to impress given the fact he was labelled “Rooneyesque” by former coach Tim Wyatt – a name given to him due to his stature and finishing ability.
His time in Yorkshire for the Whites has been far from plain sailing, making 58 appearances in all competitions, but scoring just four times since his debut nearly five years ago.
However, he has popped up with some vital moments, including his last-minute strike against Norwich City to secure three vital points in the 2021/22 campaign.
The likes of Mateo Joseph and Piroe have been ahead of him in the pecking order in recent months, restricting him to just three appearances up until January, when he joined Hull on loan until the end of the season.
Joe Gelhardt’s stats on loan at Hull City (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
12
Goals scored
3
Pass accuracy
72%
Dribble success
2.5
Times dispossessed
2.9
Aerials won
26%
Fouls committed
1.6
Stats via FotMob
Gelhardt has since scored three times in 12 appearances for the Tigers, but with his contract expiring in two years, the club may look to cash in on his services to avoid losing him for nothing.
Should the club achieve promotion in the coming months, added investment will be greatly needed if the side are to avoid an immediate return to the Championship – with players from the current squad ultimately needing to be sacrificed.
Joffy has proven that he’s unfortunately not going to be Premier League quality should the Whites reach the promised land come the end of May, brutally needing to cash in on his services to allow Farke to strengthen this summer.
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