🔵 Why Daniel Farke Should Sign Ben Chilwell: Lampard’s Comments, Firpo’s Exit, and Leeds United’s Tactical Evolution
The summer transfer window is heating up, and while Leeds United have already made a few eye-catching moves, more reinforcements are expected to follow as Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises ownership aim to construct a squad capable of earning promotion back to the Premier League.
While attention has largely focused on adding attacking depth — with players like Timothy Weah linked — the recent departure of Junior Firpo has created a serious void on the left flank. That’s why the surprising development of Ben Chilwell being offered to Leeds has added an intriguing new dimension to the club’s transfer plans.
And if Farke is looking for reassurance, he need look no further than Frank Lampard’s 2020 comments, which highlight exactly why Chilwell could be the perfect fit at Elland Road.
🗣️ Lampard’s Glowing Review: A Blueprint for Farke
In a post-match press conference following Chelsea’s 3-0 victory over Burnley in October 2020, Frank Lampard spoke about Chilwell in a way that should catch Daniel Farke’s attention:
“An important part of how I want us to play is involving our full-backs in an offensive sense… I thought him and Reece James today perfectly found their moments to get involved and join in high areas of the pitch… He covers a lot of high intensity, distance in games.”
This quote is key for a few reasons:
It speaks to Chilwell’s attacking intent and his ability to balance offensive and defensive duties.
It underlines his tactical intelligence, timing his forward runs effectively while maintaining positional discipline.
It confirms his physical attributes, especially stamina and high-intensity movement — all essential in a high-pressing, possession-dominant team.
In short, Chilwell isn’t just a full-back. He’s a modern wide playmaker, and in a system like Farke’s, that makes him a potential game-changer.
📉 Firpo’s Exit Leaves a Tactical and Statistical Hole
Junior Firpo’s departure after four seasons at Leeds was emotional for both the player and the fans. Last season, under Farke, Firpo enjoyed arguably the best football of his career — becoming not just a defensive contributor, but a key attacking asset:
14 goal involvements (goals + assists) in the Championship
Often operated as an auxiliary winger in advanced areas
Regularly created overloads and served as a final-third passer
Replacing that output won’t be easy. In fact, very few left-backs in the Championship — or even the Premier League — offered that level of attacking contribution.
Ben Chilwell, at his peak, is one of them.
🔍 Chilwell’s Profile: Why He Fits Farke’s Tactical DNA
Let’s take a deeper look at the kind of player Ben Chilwell is, and why that profile fits so well into Daniel Farke’s tactical identity.
🔹 Physical & Tactical Traits:
Explosive pace and recovery speed
Capable of high-intensity sprints throughout 90 minutes
Excellent off-the-ball movement — knows when to overlap, underlap, or hold width
Proficient in defensive transitions, especially when pressing high up the pitch
🔹 Technical Strengths:
Clean passer, especially short and mid-range under pressure
Strong crosser, both early and from the byline
Has a goalscoring instinct — times his runs into the box well
In many ways, Chilwell mirrors the kind of players Farke used to great effect at Norwich, such as Jamal Lewis and Max Aarons, both of whom thrived as up-and-down, attacking full-backs. At Leeds, he’s tried to replicate that model with Firpo and Roberts. Chilwell would bring a Premier League-quality version of that role.
🏥 The Injury Factor: A Real Concern — or a Hidden Opportunity?
There’s no hiding the elephant in the room: Chilwell’s injury history is concerning. Since a serious ACL injury in 2021, he has struggled to maintain a consistent run of games. Last season, he was loaned to Crystal Palace, but failed to make a major impact due to limited minutes and lingering fitness concerns.
But this also creates a rare market opportunity:
Chelsea are reportedly open to letting him go for a reduced fee
Leeds could negotiate a loan-to-buy deal or a contract with performance-based clauses
Chilwell himself may be desperate to reignite his career, and a stable, clearly defined system like Farke’s could help him do that
This isn’t just a gamble — it’s a calculated risk that could pay off enormously if the medical team can get him fit and firing again.
💸 Is £13 Million a Fair Price?
Reports suggest that Leeds could sign Chilwell for around £13 million — the same figure being linked with winger Timothy Weah. So how does Chilwell compare?
Player Position Age Peak Season G+A EPL Experience Tactical Fit Risk
Ben Chilwell LB 28 8 (2020/21) High (Chelsea, Leicester) Perfect High (injuries)
Timothy Weah RW 24 6 (2021/22) Low (Ligue 1) Unknown Medium
While Weah is an intriguing attacking option, Chilwell offers more certainty in terms of tactical fit, positional need, and potential upside — especially considering Firpo’s exit.
For a club pushing for promotion and backed by ambitious owners, £13 million for a former England international isn’t excessive — it’s a bold move with real upside.
🔄 Comparison: Firpo vs. Chilwell (Best Seasons)
Stat Junior Firpo (2023/24) Ben Chilwell (2020/21)
Appearances 36 27
Goals 4 3
Assists 10 5
Avg. Key Passes 1.1 1.3
Tackles per game 2.3 2.0
Interceptions 1.7 1.8
Heat Map High, wide left High, wide left
Chilwell may have had a slightly lower output due to Premier League competition, but the roles are nearly identical — both were asked to operate as offensive outlets and defensive cover.
🧠 What This Signing Would Mean for Leeds United
Beyond the pitch, a move like this sends a clear message:
“Leeds United are serious about returning to the Premier League — and staying there.”
It would be a signing that:
Boosts morale in the dressing room with a proven winner
Signals ambition to fans after narrowly missing promotion
Attracts other potential signings who want to be part of an exciting project
Provides leadership and experience in a squad with several young players
With three new players already in — including Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol — Farke and the 49ers are laying the foundation for a team that can compete on all fronts. Chilwell would be the crown jewel of that recruitment strategy.
✅ Conclusion: The Perfect Marriage of Need, Timing, and Potential
All things considered, Ben Chilwell is a player Daniel Farke should not hesitate to pursue. The departure of Firpo leaves a huge gap on the left, and Chilwell — despite his recent struggles — offers a unique combination of:
Tactical suitability
Attacking threat
Championship dominance potential
Premier League experience
High character and professionalism
If the finances can be structured smartly, this deal ticks every box. Lampard’s praise wasn’t empty — it was a blueprint. Now Farke has the chance to take that blueprint and build something big with it.
Leeds United could be the perfect place for Ben Chilwell to rebuild. And he, in turn, could be exactly what Leeds need to return to the Premier League.