Leeds United are already planning for the January transfer window and have already identified a pathway to first-team football for a gem from their academy.
Leeds pick up vital win
A 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Friday night moved Leeds up to third in the Championship, continuing their early push for promotion under Daniel Farke.
Goals from Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph were enough to inflict the Blades’ first defeat of the season and move Leeds level on points with their Yorkshire rivals, with Leeds’ only loss of the season having come against newly-relegated Burnley back in September.
It was a professional performance from the Elland Road outfit, not allowing Sheffield United a shot on target across the 90 minutes as they restricted Chris Wilder’s side to just 0.2 expected goals, while they themselves tested the opposition goalkeeper four times on top of their two goals.
Leeds United vs Sheffield United- Match Stats
Leeds United
Sheffield United
Possession
55%
45%
Shots
13
5
Shots on target
4
0
Expected goals
1.19
0.20
Yellow Cards
1
2
It comes against a backdrop of injuries for Farke, who has lost key midfield duo Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu to long term knee injuries and who only has Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka as options in his engine room as things stand, though they are working to address that issue through the free agent market.
Their squad shortages meant that teenage duo Charlie Crew and James Debayo were among the substitutes against Sheffield United, though they were not required. However, it is another young talent at Elland Road that is being prepared for the first team.
Leeds make January decision on Thomas
That comes in the shape of young talented forward Luca Thomas, who is highly regarded among the setup at Thorp Arch.
The 20-year-old had scored six times in five Premier League outings before securing a loan move to York City earlier in the week. He enjoyed a dream debut as he scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 thrashing of Ebbsfleet United just 15 minutes after coming on as they continued their strong start to the season.
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However, that loan is due to come to an end at the turn of the year, and now Football Insider have shared the latest on his future.
According to their report, Leeds are “planning” to “send Thomas to a more established Football League side” in January as they look to nurture his development to allow him to flourish.
There is no mention of what that level may be, and that may well depend on his performances in the National League, which may make clubs across the football pyramid sit up and take notice should he continue his goalscoring form from youth level.
Considered “one of Leeds’ most promising youngsters”, the club “believe the youngster will be ready for the next step by January”, and intend to help him take it.