Leeds United look all set to announce the appointment of Daniel Farke as their new manager in the coming days.
Leeds are all set for the start of pre-season after players returned today, and the club need to start working quick to get up and running before the season kicks off.
Sky Sports Germany reported on Thursday that final details were being thrashed out to see Daniel Farke pen his contract to become the new Leeds manager.
In the background, interim football advisor Nick Hammond will be working hard to ensure that the German hits the ground running with additions to his squad.
Here, we look at two signings that Leeds should make early doors to showcase their intent under Farke…
Nat Phillips
Two birds. One stone.
Leeds need someone to improve their defence and resolve the outgoings for right-sided centre-backs, and Farke already likes the Liverpool defender.
The Athletic reported this week that Leeds were keen on signing the centre-back, with the Reds potentially wanting £10million for him to leave.
In signing Phillips, Leeds would be resolving a major defensive issue of the side having an incredibly soft underbelly from set pieces, with Phillips one of the best in his position in the air.
There might be concerns about the defender’s mobility in transition, but he’s been brought into the senior game doing exactly the same under Jurgen Klopp, at a much higher standard.
Gustavo Hamer
Coventry City managing to negotiate a €20million fee and hefty sell-on clause for Viktor Gyokeres shows they are no slouch in talks to sell players.
Having said that, Leeds need to be testing their mettle with another star player in midfielder Gustavo Hamer.
One of only three players to register double figures in both goals and assists last season in the Championship, Hamer would be an incredibly ambitious move for Leeds in the Championship.
A central creator and goalscorer will be integral to Farke’s potential success at Leeds, as Mario Vrancic was at Norwich in his two promotion-winning sides.
In the final year of his deal, Hamer might not end up being the most expensive signing, but Leeds could stump up and really make a statement of intent.
