The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 2nd February) Jhon Durán on Leeds radar, along with a keeper
Jhon Durán on Leeds radar, along with a keeper
On the final day of the winter transfer window, Leeds United may be scrambling to address a growing crisis in goal after rumours of a growing rift between goalkeeper Lukas Perri and head coach Daniel Farke proceeding the Newcastle game last month. In his place, Karl Darlow has done little to stabilise the defence, as evidenced by Leeds’ 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal at the weekend, which saw Darlow inadvertently punch the ball into his own net (later officially credited to Maduake) whose corner had more swerve than Kier Starmer during Prime Minister's Question Time. With Meslier expected to hve his contract paid up today, it has led to speculation that a new shot-shopper could be arriving at Elland Road.
Many fans argue the priority lies further forward, especially after losing out on Jorgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace. Enter Jhon Durán: the powerful Colombian striker who left Aston Villa for Al-Nassr in a £64m move this time last year but could be available on loan or cut-price deal. Renowned for his thunderous left foot, clinical finishing in tight spaces, and relentless physicality, Durán is described as a “different animal” on the pitch, a confident, aggressive presence capable of troubling even the most disciplined backlines. Despite limited starting opportunities in Saudi Arabia, his goal-per-minute ratio remains among the most efficient in the game. With Leeds battling relegation and desperate for firepower, the final hours of the window could see the club make a bold, and potentially transformative move for a player who might just be the difference between survival and Premier League heartbreak.
Must Leeds embrace the dark arts to protect their Premier League status?
If Leeds United are going to maintain their six-point cushion over West Ham, they'll need to become more street smart. Daniel Farke's side risks being outmaneuvered by opponents who master the dark arts. Leeds naivety, particularly late on, have already seen them drop points late in games, most glaringly, an alarming eight goals conceded after the 90th minute this season - more than any other top flight team.
Unlike most other top flight teams, Leeds (on the whole) refuse to feign injuries, slow down play when it suits, or shave extra yardage at throw-ins or free-kicks; habits so normalised they barely draw commentary anymore. Against Arsenal, they passively allowed the Gunners to dictate tempo, rather than disrupt the flow or kill the momentum when required. Would it have changed the result - No, but it would have been a tighter game
While their sportsmanship is commendable, it won't help them stay up! How many times this season have we seen a goalkeeper’s exaggerated injury break, allowing players a breather, and time to re-group; or a forward looking for a defenders leg to go over on. Whilst unglamerous, there are such small margins in many games, that any advantage could make that difference of three points.