£2m Wasted: Farke Must Axe Leeds Dud Who Earns More Than Ramazani & Joseph
Leeds United is gearing up for their upcoming Championship fixture against Coventry City at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s squad will look to build on their momentum from their 2-0 victory over Cardiff City. Largie Ramazani, who scored his first goal for Leeds in the win, will hope to retain his starting spot alongside Mateo Joseph.
Ramazani’s breakaway strike against Cardiff showcased his potential as a tricky winger for Leeds. His performance drew comparisons to Crysencio Summerville, and Farke will likely rely on him to create scoring opportunities against Coventry.
Mateo Joseph also impressed against Cardiff, assisting Ramazani’s opener despite an otherwise inconsistent game. Joseph’s statistics this season demonstrate his value to Leeds:
Games played: 6
Goals scored: 1
Assists: 3
Shots per game: 2.7
Big chances missed: 2
Big chances created: 4
However, amidst the optimism surrounding Ramazani and Joseph, Leeds United has a pressing issue. Karl Darlow, the goalkeeper signed from Newcastle last year, has failed to make an impact. Darlow’s £400,000 transfer fee and £30,000-per-week wage make his lack of contributions unacceptable.
Darlow’s sole appearance this season was in the EFL Cup loss to Middlesbrough, where he conceded three goals. His five total appearances for Leeds have yielded zero clean sheets. In contrast, Ramazani and Joseph earn significantly lower wages, £17,500-per-week and £15,000-per-week respectively.
Patrick Bamford’s £70,000-per-week salary further highlights the disparity. As Joseph gains more first-team minutes, Bamford’s hefty wage becomes increasingly unjustifiable.
Leeds United must reassess their squad and prioritize players making a tangible impact. Darlow’s continued presence is a luxury they cannot afford. With Ilian Meslier firmly entrenched as the starting goalkeeper, Darlow’s role is relegated to benchwarmer.
Farke and the Leeds hierarchy should consider offloading Darlow to free up resources for more impactful signings. The £2 million invested in Darlow, including his transfer fee and wages, could have been better spent.
As Leeds United seeks to return to the Premier League, every decision counts. The club must optimize their squad and make tough choices. Cutting ties with underperforming players like Darlow will be crucial in achieving their promotion goals.
The upcoming match against Coventry City presents an opportunity for Leeds to assert their dominance. Ramazani and Joseph will be instrumental in unlocking the opposition’s defense. Meanwhile, Darlow’s Leeds United career hangs in the balance, a reminder that even significant investments can falter.
In the world of football, timing is everything. Sometimes, even the most promising signings fail to pan out. Leeds United must learn from their mistakes and move forward, focusing on players who can drive success.
As the season unfolds, Leeds fans will watch with bated breath, hoping their team makes the right decisions to secure promotion. The futures of Ramazani, Joseph, and Darlow hang in the balance, each with their own story to tell.
Only time will tell if Leeds United can correct their course and achieve their goals. One thing is certain, however – the club cannot afford to waste resources on underperforming players.
The pressure is on Farke and Leeds United to make the right decisions. Will they axe Darlow and invest in players who can make a difference? The answer will unfold in the coming weeks and months.
Leeds United’s promotion push depends on it.