Daniel Farke has made it clear that Leeds United still require several more reinforcements, even after sealing the eye-catching capture of Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the weekend.
Attention has now shifted to Noah Okafor, with Leeds working on a £17.25million deal with AC Milan for the versatile attacker. But one deal won’t be enough – the recruitment drive must continue.
One target who won’t be heading to Elland Road is Liverpool starlet Ben Doak. The teenager, who impressed on loan at Middlesbrough before injury curtailed his campaign, was heavily linked with a Leeds switch after showing flashes of Premier League quality in pre-season.
Instead, Doak is set to join Bournemouth in a £25million move, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the deal is agreed and due to be announced imminently. The Cherries have landed a major coup, while Liverpool have protected themselves with a buy-back clause believed to be worth closer to £50million – in line with their policy of setting the clause at roughly double the initial fee.
For Leeds, frustration will linger at seeing another exciting wide option head elsewhere, but there’s logic behind the decision. A £25m outlay on a player with huge potential – but not guaranteed immediate impact – is a gamble they cannot afford in a survival battle.
Doak may turn out to be a brilliant signing for Bournemouth, but for Leeds, the priority is clear: players who can deliver right now.
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