Several days have passed since Eddie Nketiah was recalled by Arsenal and though many strikers have been linked with a move to Leeds, there seems to be no imminent arrivals for the promotion chasers.
That is causing frustrations in some ranks, and an update by executive director Angus Kinnear is only adding fuel to the fire, as he claimed the club is looking to move early in their search for a replacement.
Nketiah left on the 1st of January though, and his departure was a very real probability in the weeks prior due to his lack of game time – starting two league games – which means the club should have prepared for his exit by lining up reinforcements sooner, as one fan suggests.
He’s far from the only one who feels that way, and the feelings of fans is very understandable as it suggests a level of disorganisation at the club.
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In Kinnear’s defence he is right to be careful with the personnel brought in, as promotion to the Premier League could depend on it, but the likes of Dwight Gayle, Billy Sharp and Che Adams would really add something to the squad, as their Championship goal records attest to, and each has been linked. All three players scored over 20 times in the division last season.
Some supporters have been reacting to the update by naming the strikers they would like to see arrive, though it is possible the club is unwilling to target such players due to the potential expense involved.
They are correct to consider the long-term but with every fan itching for a return to the top-flight, it is easy to see why frustrations have boiled over. After all, Patrick Bamford is now the only natural striker in the squad, and his 10 goals in 27 games this term show he is far from consistent.
Going by history, it seems unlikely that Leeds will look to bring in anyone that isn’t a loan signing.
Nketiah was signed to replace a player like Kemar Roofe, with Ben White also the loan replacement for Pontus Jansson, and that record doesn’t inspire fans with much confidence, who have made their feelings known as a result.
Fans have also been left disgruntled due to another factor over recent days, something which makes the need for new signings all the more urgent.