The fixtures just don’t stop coming for Leeds United as a bumper January edges closer to its mid-point.
It has been a promising start to the New Year, with Daniel Farke relieved to see his troops beat Derby County in the FA Cup 3-1, after a first-half scare saw the Championship hosts race into a slim one-goal lead.
Back in the Premier League, too, the Whites are continuing to grind out results, with two hard-fought draws clinched against Manchester United and Liverpool.
Although the erratic loss on the road at Newcastle United will have troubled the German slightly, as four goals were given up in a crazy 4-3 defeat.
It’s up to the West Yorkshire giants to respond now, as Fulham are their next opponents in the bread and butter of the league, with plenty of transfer rumours also being spoken of, away from matters strictly on the pitch.
Leeds have Premier League star on their wishlist
While Farke did praise his players after the convincing victory at Pride Park, he will still be gripped with worry regarding the leakiness of his defence at St James’ Park.
To solve some issues at the back, with Joe Rodon in and out of the side an awful lot at the moment through injury, Leeds could win the services of Union Berlin colossus Danilho Doekhi who reportedly wants to move to Elland Road.
Looking further into the future, Leeds will also be hopeful that they can add some statement recruits in the summer, with TEAMtalk reporting that Fulham superstar Harry Wilson remains on their wishlist.
With his contract situation still yet to be solved at Craven Cottage, it looks increasingly likely that the dazzling Welshman will be available for a free transfer when the season is out, which will be music to the ears of Farke and Co, who have been long-term admirers.
This would be a major loss for Marco Silva’s men, as Leeds potentially win a huge upgrade on a hot-and-cold Noah Okafor in the process.
How Wilson would be a huge upgrade on Okafor
Okafor hasn’t been a complete misfire of a transfer so far in West Yorkshire.
Indeed, the Swiss started the season for the Whites as an entertaining forward presence who looked ready to take the Premier League by storm, with two quickfire goals coming his way across three league games during September and October. That saw Leeds-based content creator Oscar Marrio hail him as a “class difference-maker” who “raises everyone else’s game around him.”
Fast forward to the present, and those glowing words now look very premature, with the former AC Milan attacker goalless across his last 14 clashes for Farke’s men, as he sometimes struggles to even make the German’s starting XI.
At his peak, though, he did show glimpses of his game that are very similar to Wilson’s devastating best in West London, with both Okafor and Wilson daring forward presences who can line up down either flank, or as a central attacker if necessary.
Wilson’s numbers in January
Stat
Wilson
Games played
4
Goals scored
3
Assists
1
Shots
15
Successful dribbles
2
Key passes
4
Total duels won
7
Stats by Sofascore
But, while his Leeds manager has openly criticised him for not being strong enough at points this season, alongside his output falling off a cliff, Wilson is in the form of his life now for Fulham. The numbers demonstrate just how crucial he is to their cause.
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Across his side’s last three games in all competitions, the 28-year-old has stood out as a performer where everything he touches “becomes something magic” as Marco Silva has stated, with a stunning three goals and one assist allowing Fulham to beat Middlesbrough and Chelsea, alongside clinching a point versus Liverpool.
Yet, as is evidenced in winning a valiant seven duels for the cause this January, as well, the Wrexham-born star is also a “hard-worker” when needed, as his manager in West London has waxed lyrical, with Leeds potentially taken to that next level under Wilson, who can carry teams on his back.
Whereas, at this point in his career, Okafor is far too hit-and-miss to be relied upon, with Leeds needing to ensure they stave off the drop, to be in with a shot at a ridiculous free transfer move for the “incredible” Premier League performer, as Jurgen Klopp once branded him.
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