Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was keen to put Tuesday's embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday's kids behind him (even though the club's supporters were relishing in the Schadenfreude of rivals Manchester United's bigger headline grabbing misfortune at Grimsby Town 24 hours later). The narrative from Farke heading into the visit of what could be a depleted Newcastle United was to insist that the absence of captain Ethan Ampadu, fellow midfielder Ao Tanaka (both MCL) and a major doubt over winger Noah Okafor (groin) were equally damaging to him as Anthony Gordon's suspension and the possibility of injuries ruling out Joelinton and Sandro Tonali were for Eddie Howe.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was keen to put Tuesday's embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Sheffield Wednesday's kids behind him (even though the club's supporters were relishing in the Schadenfreude of rivals Manchester United's bigger headline grabbing misfortune at Grimsby Town 24 hours later).
The narrative from Farke heading into the visit of what could be a depleted Newcastle United was to insist that the absence of captain Ethan Ampadu, fellow midfielder Ao Tanaka (both MCL) and a major doubt over winger Noah Okafor (groin) were equally damaging to him as Anthony Gordon's suspension and the possibility of injuries ruling out Joelinton and Sandro Tonali were for Eddie Howe.
The loan exits of both defender Isaac Schmidt and winger Largie Ramazani were officially confirmed after Farke spoke about the latter's talent but how his skill set is not best suited to a side which will not control possession in the final third in the Premier League like it did in the Championship.
Inevitably the focus switched to how realistic was it for Farke to expect the two attacking players he wants to arrive by close of business on Monday. He said "It makes no sense right now that I give you a percentage".
Several hours later with unwanted striker Patrick Bamford's departure confirmed - his contract terminated by mutual consent - supporters were clamouring for some positive news on incomings. It came with the re-ignition of a loan move for Brighton's Facundo Buonanotte, who Leeds had feared may be lost to a Champions League club this summer. The Argentina international is expected to be the club's 11th summer acquisition and is understood to qualify as homegrown status for Brighton come January. Win-win you might say. Farke could certainly do with one on Saturday after a difficult week.
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Category: General Sports
