Leeds United need to sign Daniel Farke a winger following their disappointment in pursuit of Igor Paixao.
It’s fair to say that Leeds United did all they could in pursuit of the Feyenoord forward, with some even stating that Leeds came incredibly close to landing Igor Paixao.
It’s an incredibly frustrating situation for all those involved with the club, both fans and the recruitment department alike. However, they came close and Paixao was deemed as Leeds’ hardest transfer deal of the window so far.
In spite of trying all they could, including new-boy Lucas Perri speaking directly with Paixao, his international compatriot, on the phone, it proved to be futile. That said, Leeds will continue to seek out ‘reach signings’ like Paixao.
However, perhaps most crucially, it has become clear that Leeds are also looking at wingers on both flanks and not just left-sided profiles. That element is particularly vital, giving them a wider market to operate in.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesLiverpool winger Ben Doak would be a fantastic loan addition for Leeds United
The Athletic’s Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers in recent weeks, and there has been movement on that front more recently following the Paixao snub.
Dilane Bakwa has been linked alongside Bilal El Khannouss, with Cross reiterating they are a duo Leeds like and either or both could yet be signed before the transfer deadline at the start of September.
We think Bakwa could be a better fit for Leeds than Paixao, given that he is a more natural right-sided player. Leeds’ four current wide options contain just one player who prefers the right-hand flank in Dan James.
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Should the budget be tight approaching the end of the window, then a loan ought to be considered. There is one player who could fit the bill in that sense — Liverpool’s Ben Doak.
Despite an injury-hit season on loan with Middlesbrough, the young Scot is predominantly a right-sided winger who hit 10 goal involvements (3G, 7A) in just 24 appearances.
Nine of those came during his final 16 games for the club once Doak was up to speed, with Michael Carrick’s side one of the best and most dangerous teams in the division at the point where Doak was fully fit and firing.
There are obvious question marks over whether he is ready to step up right now to the Premier League, but a loan is lower risk and could help Leeds to save cash for the expensive striker and attacking midfield duo.
Scottish pundit Greg Robertson said on The Game Football Podcast: “This guy (Doak) is raw pace,’ Robertson said.
“He’s also really technically gifted. “It’s really exciting. I know the part of this conversation is couched in, like, should we be getting too excited? We don’t have many people to get excited about.
“I think he’s a player of enormous potential.”
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty ImagesFive other Premier League wingers who could be available to Leeds on loan
There is every chance that some younger and fringe squad players will be made available late in the window by other Premier League clubs, which is why Leeds will be keen to swoop on one of those perhaps.
Other players include Man City’s Oscar Bobb, who is also returning from an injury layoff and he could be available if regular first-team minutes are what both the player and Pep Guardiola are after.
- Oscar Bobb, 22, Man City.
- Wilson Odobert, 20, Tottenham Hotspur.
- Luis Guilherme, 19, West Ham United.
- Romain Esse, 20, Crystal Palace.
- Tyrique George, 19, Chelsea.
Other options outside of Doak include the five listed above. Some clubs will look to give them minutes in European competition but others would accept a loan and Leeds have to be alert to such opportunities.