Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has consistently emphasized during the transfer window that there are numerous factors to consider when evaluating a potential new signing.
Does the player offer good value for money, especially in January when transfer fees tend to be significantly higher than in the summer?
Would the new addition be able to break into the team, particularly when Leeds are currently performing so well at the top of the table? It’s not easy to find a spot in the starting XI when players like Louie Barry would face competition from someone like Manor Solomon. Emi Buendia is an exceptional talent in the Championship, but Farke has praised Brenden Aaronson for his “miracles” in the number 10 role.
While Leeds showed interest in Nottingham Forest’s Andrew Omobamidele, even reportedly holding talks about the £11 million-rated Republic of Ireland international, it’s worth asking whether it would have made sense to bring him to Elland Road given the strength of Leeds’ defensive options with Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk all in contention.
Moreover, mid-season signings are under pressure to make an immediate impact. Omobamidele had played just 90 minutes for Forest in the first half of the season, so it might have taken him until late February or beyond to regain full match fitness.
Farke believes a move for Omobamidele wouldn’t have worked for Leeds.
“Sometimes, loans are available. [Bringing players in from] the Premier League is possible, but if the player is available, there’s a reason why,” Farke says ahead of Leeds’ trip to Coventry City under Frank Lampard. “It means they’re not part of the core group of 17 or 18 players crucial to their team. It could be a quality issue, personal reasons, a fallout with the manager, or just recovering from injury…”
Farke adds, “But it means he’s not in top form or full of confidence. If I bring in a centre-back who hasn’t played in the last six or seven months, should I guarantee him playing time? Should I drop Joe Rodon or Pascal Struijk?”
Farke, who worked with Omobamidele at Norwich City and gave the 22-year-old his Premier League debut against Arsenal, understands the player’s situation. However, Forest opted to loan Omobamidele to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, where he’s already made a start, which seems like a better fit for a player who might have found himself on the bench at Elland Road.
Farke also trusts his current squad to achieve promotion.
“When you get a loan from a top Premier League team, you almost have to guarantee playing time,” Farke explains. “But in our position, we can’t do that. Once an injury happens or a problem arises, we can promise playing time. But when the team is performing well, like we’ve been recently, finding a loan that genuinely improves your squad while accepting limited opportunities is very difficult.”
Reports suggest Nottingham Forest wanted £10 million for Omobamidele, which would have been a steep price for a player who hasn’t played Premier League football in the 2024/25 season and wouldn’t likely crack Leeds’ starting XI.
Farke concludes, “The other option after a loan is a permanent transfer, but in January, the market is often overpriced and too expensive. That makes it tricky. Especially when we’re in a strong position like we are. We don’t have a pressing need, so that’s why we didn’t do any business.”
Daniel Farke’s comments expose the truth as to why Leeds United did not sign £10m rated EPL Star
