BYE- BYE to Striker issue as Daniel Farke informed he doesnt have to stretch limb to SOLVE goal scoring issue while aiming towards emerging Netbuster that can BOSST Leeds United GOAL scoring tally beside Mateo Joseph.
Luca Koleosho scored the only goal of the match in the first half after Manor Solomon slipped, allowing Koleosho to sprint down the right wing and fire a shot into the bottom corner of Illan Meslier’s net.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Daniel Farke’s Leeds United in West Yorkshire, as they dominated possession and created enough chances to win but failed to capitalize. Despite having 71% of the ball and creating two ‘big chances’ to Burnley’s zero, Leeds were not clinical enough in front of goal, while Burnley took full advantage of their one clear opportunity.
Leeds have struggled to convert chances, winning just two of their first five Championship games and scoring seven goals from an expected goals (xG) total of 8.77. This wastefulness in front of goal was also an issue in the 2023/24 season, and it wasn’t resolved in the summer transfer window.
Leeds United’s Striker Troubles
Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter were Leeds’ primary center-forward options last season, but both struggled in front of goal. Bamford scored eight goals from an xG of 9.52 across 33 Championship appearances, failing to prove he could be Leeds’ main striker. Meanwhile, Rutter, now at Brighton, missed 17 ‘big chances’ and scored just six goals from 12.34 xG in 45 games.
This wastefulness from Farke’s main strikers last season saw them underperform their xG by 7.86 goals combined.
This season, 20-year-old Mateo Joseph has been given the chance to lead the line but has yet to find his form. He missed a one-on-one opportunity early against Burnley, one of two ‘big chances’ he’s failed to convert so far. Joseph, along with Gnonto, Piroe, and Bamford, has underperformed his xG by a combined 1.27 goals, with only Piroe matching his expected output.
Joseph’s tally of one goal from 1.88 xG suggests that Farke’s striker issues from last season remain unresolved. One potential solution for Farke is to explore the free agent market for a center-forward who could bolster Leeds’ attacking options.
Free Agent Striker Options
Several free agent strikers are currently looking for new clubs after departing their previous teams. Among the most notable names is former Manchester United and Monaco star Anthony Martial. However, Martial’s reported £247k-per-week wages at Old Trafford make him an unrealistic option for a Championship club, even as a free agent.
A more viable target is Aaron Connolly, one of the top five most valuable free agent forwards with experience in English football.
Why Leeds Should Sign Aaron Connolly
The Irish international, who left Hull City at the end of last season, remains without a club and could join Leeds immediately. At 24, Connolly is entering the prime of his career, and Leeds could uncover a potential star by offering him the opportunity to help their push for Premier League promotion.
Former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior praised Connolly’s “top-level” movement. The forward joined Hull from Brighton, where he had previously scored five goals in 45 Premier League appearances and netted 31 times in 42 matches for Brighton’s U21 side.
Last season, Connolly made 28 appearances in the Championship, scoring eight goals from 6.62 xG, outperforming his expected tally despite starting only 13 matches.
His strong record at youth level and ability to make the most of his chances in limited time for Hull suggests that Connolly could be the answer to Leeds’ striking woes. While Joseph and Bamford have struggled with finishing, Connolly’s clinical edge in front of goal could provide Leeds with the attacking boost they need if Farke brings him in as a free agent.