Mateo Joseph’s missed chance against Sheffield United certainly didn’t go unnoticed, and Adam Pope’s reaction summed up the frustration. When a striker is brought on to change a game, moments like that can define a player’s reputation, and unfortunately for Joseph, he fluffed his lines. The fact that Leeds went on to win 3-1 softens the blow, but had they not managed to turn things around, that miss would have been under even more scrutiny.
To be fair to Joseph, he’s still young and learning his trade. He has shown flashes of potential this season, but being a consistent finisher at the highest level is something that takes time and experience. However, moments like these raise a larger question about Leeds United’s striking options, especially if they achieve their goal of securing promotion to the Premier League.
Leeds’ Striker Dilemma
Leeds United have been one of the strongest attacking sides in the Championship, but when you look at their centre-forward options, there are real concerns about whether any of them can lead the line in the Premier League.
Joel Piroe has done well, scoring his fair share of goals, but he is not a traditional number nine. He tends to play better as a second striker rather than the focal point of an attack. His link-up play is decent, but against stronger Premier League defences, he might struggle to impose himself as a lone striker.
Patrick Bamford was once Leeds’ main man, especially in their first season back in the top flight under Marcelo Bielsa, but injuries and inconsistency have taken their toll. He’s not the same player he was a few years ago, and relying on him in the Premier League would be a huge gamble.
Joe Gelhardt is another young talent like Joseph, but despite the hype around him in previous seasons, he hasn’t developed as quickly as many hoped. He still has potential, but can Leeds afford to wait for him to come good when they need an immediate goal scorer?
Mateo Joseph has shown promise, but as seen against Sheffield United, he’s still raw. Moments like his miss at Bramall Lane highlight why he’s not ready to lead a Premier League attack just yet.
A New Striker Is a Must for Leeds
If Leeds United secure promotion, signing a clinical, top-level striker has to be their number one priority in the transfer window. The Championship is a different beast from the Premier League, where defences are tighter, mistakes get punished, and chances are fewer. Without a proven goal scorer, survival in the top flight becomes an uphill battle.
We’ve seen how newly promoted teams struggle without a reliable goal scorer. Take Burnley this season—they played some good football under Vincent Kompany but lacked a Premier League-quality striker, and it cost them. On the other hand, look at Ipswich Town, who brought in Liam Delap on loan. His goals have given them a fighting chance of staying up, proving how crucial a proper number nine can be.
Leeds have already been linked with strikers like Cameron Archer and Adam Armstrong, both of whom would have been solid additions in the January window. Archer, in particular, has Premier League experience and a good track record at Championship level. However, if Leeds are serious about establishing themselves in the top flight, they may need to aim even higher in the summer.
Who Should Leeds Target?
If Leeds go up, they need to invest in a striker who is either Premier League-proven or has the potential to adapt quickly. Some possible options include:
Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) – He has been outstanding in Portugal and was brilliant for Coventry in the Championship. He’s strong, clinical, and could be a game-changer.
Jonathan David (Lille) – A more ambitious target, but if Leeds want to push for long-term stability in the Premier League, he’s the kind of forward they should be looking at.
Che Adams (Southampton) – A more realistic option if Southampton don’t go up. He’s proven in the Premier League and would offer experience and work rate.
Armando Broja (Chelsea) – Likely available on loan or permanently, and could be a good option if Leeds want a physical, mobile forward.
Final Thoughts
Leeds United are in a great position in the Championship, but if they are serious about staying in the Premier League next season, a new striker is a must. Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, Joe Gelhardt, and Mateo Joseph all have their qualities, but none of them look like the kind of striker who can guarantee goals in the top flight. Farke and the Leeds board need to make signing a clinical number nine their top priority this summer, or they risk suffering the same fate as other newly promoted teams who failed to invest properly in their attack.
Who do you think would be the best striker for Leeds if they get promoted?