Leeds United set to help Daniel Farke clinch the signature of EFL magician who has the same playing style with Daniel Farke’s Norwich prodigy..
Leeds United suffered disappointment last month, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the Championship playoff final at Wembley after a goal from Adam Armstrong. The Whites narrowly missed out on automatic Premier League promotion, finishing 3rd, despite having a chance to finish in the top two on the final day.
They beat Daniel Farke’s former club Norwich City 4-0 on aggregate in the playoff semi-finals before their Wembley loss. Now gearing up for another Championship season, changes to the Leeds squad are expected with players arriving and departing.
One incoming player is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who will reintegrate into the squad after a loan spell at Union Berlin, following talks with Farke. However, Leeds are also reportedly interested in signing another creative midfielder this summer – Coventry City’s Callum O’Hare on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old Englishman has rejected a new Coventry contract and will be a free agent this month. With no compensation required, only wages and signing fees would need covering. Southampton and Burnley are also keen on O’Hare.
Leeds have monitored his situation closely and are now “ready” to join the race for his signature. They want to bolster their attack amid interest in Crysencio Summerville from Chelsea and others, while Wilfried Gnonto may push for an Italy return.
O’Hare could replace one of those wingers or complement them if Leeds retain Gnonto and Summerville. Crucially, he could be Farke’s new version of Todd Cantwell, who thrived under him at Norwich.
Farke promoted Cantwell from Norwich’s academy in 2018/19. Though not a regular starter that Championship-winning season, Cantwell scored 6 goals in 30 Premier League starts the following campaign before relegation. Back in the Championship in 2020/21, Cantwell excelled as a left-winger cutting inside, scoring 6 goals and providing 7 assists as Norwich won promotion again.
O’Hare could play a similar tactical role, starting wide left but drifting into his preferred central attacking midfield position. The right-footed playmaker has showcased his goalscoring ability, netting 14 goals over the previous two Championship seasons despite missing much of 2022/23 through injury.
This term, he has 6 goals and 3 assists in just 18 league starts after regaining fitness. O’Hare outperformed his expected goals, highlighted his efficiency in front of goal. He could be the new Cantwell for Farke – an incisive, versatile English creator who can thrive in the Championship.