Leeds United could return to the automatic promotion places after their clash with Derby County in Championship this weekend, if the results are favorable.
The Whites are just two points behind Sheffield United at the top of the table and could return to the top if Burnley and the Blades fail to win, as they prevail against Paul Warne's side.
Daniel FarkeThe team are currently third in the division and that is the position they finished in at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, before ultimately losing in the play-off final.
The West Yorkshire side are expected to look to avoid the play-offs this time around, meaning they must aim for a top-two finish to secure automatic promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking.
Leeds fell out of the top two after being beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers in the league last time out, with the Whites failing to break through John Eustace's defence.
The January transfer window opens next month and they have been asked to consider signing a striker to bolster their attacking options.
Leeds demand prolific striker
Speaking to Football League WorldFormer Championship midfielder and now pundit Carlton Palmer says Los Blancos are “screaming” for a striker like Maccabi Tel Aviv's Dor Turgeman.
It was recently reported that Leeds had made a move for the 21-year-old marksman and that his club were set to demand a fee of more than €5m (£4.1m) for his services, while also trying to hold on. until summer.
At present, it is unclear whether or not the Championship giants are willing to spend that kind of money on a striker in the upcoming January transfer window.
Palmer, however, claims that signing the Tel Aviv gem could be an interesting deal to strengthen their front line, due to the qualities he could bring in the second half of the season.
He told Football League World: “They've made an official approach and he's having a good season so far this season. He's doing well and it might be worth a bet. Depending on how much it's going to cost, but Leeds need a attacking for the way they play.
“They need someone who can split the defense and show composure in the penalty area, which Turgeman demonstrates in abundance.”
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Palmer adds that it is a transfer it “makes sense” for the right price, as Joel Piroe has struggled at times in a “classic” number nine role, while Mateo Joseph has had “growing pains” as a starter at Elland Road.
Mateo Joseph's form this season
The Spain U21 international has emerged as a real starting quality option for Farke in the league this season, after his 20 league matches came off the bench last season.
An academy product, Joseph has developed throughout his time at Elland Road and has started nine matches in the second division so far this season, showing that the German tactician has more confidence in himself than in the previous campaign.
The transition to regular starts hasn't been easy for the Spanish striker, who previously played for England at U20 level, as he has struggled in front of goal at times.
|
24/25 Championship |
Mateo Joseph |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
18 |
|
Begin |
9 |
|
xG |
3.44 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Big chances created |
4 |
|
Aids |
3 |
As you can see in the table above, Joseph has only scored two goals in 18 appearances in the division and has underperformed against his xG of 1.44 goals, suggesting he should have between a and two more goals – at least.
He has, however, shown an impressive level of creativity from a centre-forward position, with four “big chances” created in eight starts, showing the youngster has provided value on the pitch at Leeds, but not as a regular scorer. .
Farke, however, could now pounce on Turgeman, when the January transfer window opens, and land an even bigger prospect than Joseph for the Whites.
Why Dor Turgeman is a bigger prospect than Mateo Joseph
The Israel international, 21, is the same age as the Leeds youngster but has already demonstrated his ability to regularly find the back of the net at first-team level.
He caught the eye with his performances for Tel Aviv during the 2024/25 campaign and, although it could be argued that the Israeli top flight is of a different level to the Championship, the striker has delivered on his promises in Europa League.
Tourgueman has scored four goals and has provided two assists in eight appearances in Europe, in qualifying and league stage matches, so far this season, showing he has the qualities needed to step up to the European stage.
This means that the 21-year-old center forward, who was described as “very exciting” by Kai Watson of Rangers Journal, has scored twice as many goals in Europe as Joseph (two) in all competitions this season.
Alongside his impressive performances in the Europa League, Turgeman has also provided consistent quality at league level for his club this season.
|
24/25 Israeli Premier League |
Dor Tourgueman |
|---|---|
|
Appearances |
9 |
|
Begin |
6 |
|
Goals |
5 |
|
Big missed opportunities |
1 |
|
Big chances created |
6 |
|
Aids |
2 |
As you can see in the table above, the £4.1million-rated goalscorer has produced a staggering 11 goals and 'big chances' created in just six league starts for Maccabi Tel Aviv.
His only missed 'big chance' in his nine appearances is testament to the striker's ruthless nature in front of goal, as the youngster has taken the majority of his big openings in the division.
Overall, Turgeman could arrive at Elland Road with even greater talent than Joseph as he has shown more quality, domestically and in Europe, as a goalscorer and goal creator than the Leeds man at the same age.
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Therefore, Farke must push for the board to agree a deal to sign the impressive youngster before the second half of the campaign, as he could provide an extra goal threat for the Whites to push for promotion to the Premier League .
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