Daniel Farke saved his job by eventually switching formation and moving to a 3-5-2 system at Leeds United, which has now made the Whites unpredictable for opposing managers.
Leeds can start with a three-man defence; they can switch back to 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 as they did against Liverpool at Elland Road or at Brentford, when in search of a goal. Or, they can line up in a 5-4-1 system.
They did the latter against Man United on Sunday, nullifying their bitter rivals and scoring on the break through Brenden Aaronson. That was the plan, and it worked, only for Man United to equalise quickly.
But this change in formation has highlighted a lack of depth in a couple of positions. Up front, with Joel Piroe a possible sale this month, but also at centre-back. Seb Bornauw is providing cover for three players.
Do Leeds even NEED signings after enjoying success with a 3-5-2 formation?
We speak about what is possible (privately) but it’s not my job to speak in public about it or judge it in any way. I deal with what I’ve got. Of course I want the best possible squad, the best possible players and to improve the players as much as possible, but I don’t own the club
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The Belgium international has come in for Joe Rodon in the last two games. Daniel Farke says Rodon has a chance to play against Newcastle, but Leeds could do with signing another central defender this month.
Leeds United told one defender on radar is a ‘no-brainer’
Leeds have been linked with plenty of strikers, but only a couple of defenders. El Chadaille Bitshiabu is set to remain at Leipzig, but Leeds have also been linked with Union Berlin’s Netherlands ace Danilho Doekhi.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
He is out of contract at Union this summer, and it has already been reported that Doekhi has decided he will leave Union, and could do so this month. Leeds are among the clubs supposedly interested in him.
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Posting on X, European expert and commentator Kevin Hatchard claims Doekhi would be a “no-brainer” for Leeds this month, amid the reports that Adam Underwood is keen on luring the player to Elland Road.
“Interesting to see Leeds linked with Union Berlin centre-back Danilho Doekhi. Only six months left on his deal, excellent in the air, set-piece threat, used to playing in a back three. Feels like a no-brainer to me.”
Doekhi can be one of Farke’s best signings – do you agree? 🧱
Danilho Doekhi scored for Union in a 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich this season:
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The two Leeds United players that Danilho Doekhi knows well
Doekhi would be a sensational signing and one that would expect to start in this Leeds side. A player who has proven himself in the Bundesliga and the Eredivisie, amassing 12 goals in 98 German league games.
Certainly, if he did arrive at Leeds in the next few months, he would reunite with two familiar faces. Pascal Struijk is one, with whom Doekhi came through the Ajax academy alongside, before Struijk’s departure.
Then, Brenden Aaronson. The American joined Doekhi’s Union on loan in the summer of 2023 for a season and would prove key in keeping Union in the Bundesliga towards the end of the 23-24 campaign.
Whether Leeds do become active in January remains to be seen, but reports claim Leeds have between £20m and £25m available without passing the PSR line. West Ham have already signed two new strikers.
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