Credit: Imago/ Manh Tung/Breaking Media
Fri 12 September 2025 21:10, UK
Leeds United’s trip to Fulham could be the perfect opportunity for their new signings to stake their claim in the starting XI.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin could do this up top, following injuries to both Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
Both Dan James and Willy Gnonto have been poor, as Leeds are currently one of the worst attacking sides in the Premier League so far, perhaps opening the door for Noah Okafor to stake his claim.
Following Okafor’s move from AC Milan earlier in the summer, Adam Pope has shared what he has heard about United’s new winger ahead of their clash at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Credit: ImagoNoah Okafor may not be at full speed at Leeds
Bizarrely, quite a few of the 49ers‘ recruits over the summer have had dubious injury records, with Calvert-Lewin, Nmecha and Okafor all fitting that bill.
Given the lack of attacking signings, Leeds are effectively backing their medical team to keep their new assets fit and firing.
Following the international break, it would be a reasonable assumption that the likes of Okafor and Calvert-Lewin would be in line to receive more regular minutes after building up more fitness and rapport with their new teammates and manager.
Speaking on the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on 12 September, Pope shared what he has heard regarding the fitness of the Swiss winger, and he may not be at the top level yet.
“Okafor’s interesting, I just read an article about him, how he’s been using this trainer who has been helping him do his own sprinting,” he said.
“There’s a suggestion that he (Okafor) hasn’t been quite at full speed either, so is he the number one pick now, and does Gnonto go back down?” Pope said.
Willy Gnonto could be forced to change position to accommodate Noah Okafor
Neither Gnonto nor James could have any arguments if they were to lose their starting position to Okafor this weekend, given the way they have started the season.
Pope interviewed Gnonto earlier this week and claimed the Italian is looking forward to the challenge Okafor will give him when it comes to potentially competing for the same starting position.
Interestingly, Pope suggested that Gnonto could find himself in a new position to accommodate Leeds’ new £18million man.
“I spoke to Willy Gnonto this week about him possibly having to play more of a number ten role, maybe at some point,” he said.
If Farke’s side continue to struggle to create chances in the 4-3-3 they have set up in so far this season, the German manager could be tempted to switch back to his trademark 4-2-3-1 to see if that gives the Whites any more joy going forward.
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