The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Monday 19th January) Nmecha's late strike sends Leeds eight points clear of drop zone
Good Morning. It's Monday 19th January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road
Nmecha's late strike sends Leeds eight points clear of drop zone
Lukas Nmecha’s stoppage-time winner denied Fulham their seventh consecutive game without defeat, and kept Leeds eight point margin between themselves and the drop zone intact in a nail-biting encounter at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. His fifth of the season exacted sweet revenge for Whites fans after Gabriel Gudmundsson headed into his own net in added time, in the reserve fixture last September, sealing a cruel defeat on Farke's men.
Leeds’ victory, though slender, was a testament to their dominance in key metrics. The hosts controlled the game’s statistical narrative, with Fulham managing just a single shot on target and a meager expected goals (xG) tally of 0.39. At the heart of Farke's defensive revamped backline, a reshuffled trio of Struijk, Rodon (central for the first time this season), and James Justin, supported by Karl Darlow between the sticks after £14m summer signing Lucas Perri was dropped from the starting line-up. Despite the changes, Leeds produced one of their best defensive performances of the season.
Farke’s tactical flexibility was evident, but it was Nmecha’s heroics that will define this encounter. The 27yo, often a subject of debate, delivered when it mattered most, showcasing the composure that has made him one of the best goal per minutes ratio striker in the Premier League this season. His winner, slotting home Ampadu's hopeful cross was a reward for Leeds’ relentless pressing and a reminder of their ability to capitalise in the decisive moments.
Speaking post-match, Farke hailed the performance as the “best win of the season,” praising his team’s “relentless” mindset. “We didn’t allow them to showcase their quality, and the belief never wavered,” he said, emphasising the mental fortitude displayed amid a tightly contested contest. On Nmecha, the German boss was effusive: “He’s one of the best German strikers in the league; his finishing tonight proved it.” The victory also marked a psychological boost for Leeds, who remain firmly in the ascendancy in their bid for safety. “Every point is crucial,” Farke added. “Today, we took three more.”
Doekhi deal looking unlikely
With transfer rumours swirling around Danilho Doekhi's potential move to Elland Road this month, I caught up with Kit Holden, Union Berlin journalist and contributor to the New York Times, to get the lowdown on one of the Bundesliga’s most in-demand defenders. Standing at 6’3”, Doekhi is exactly the type of centre-back that ticks the boxes at Leeds: strong, dominant in the air, physically imposing, and dangerous at getting on the end of set-pieces. It’s easy to see why he’s topping Union’s WhoScored rankings at 7.03 and catching the eye of clubs like Leeds, Aston Villa, Besiktas and Wolfsburg.
As Holden explains, Union Berlin’s stance is as pragmatic as it is cautious. “I think they’d probably sell him if the price is right,” he says, “but that price will probably be quite high.” With Doekhi in the final six months of his contract, there’s an obvious risk for the club, letting him walk on a free in the summer looks like a financial loss on paper. But Union aren’t panicking. Their president recently made headlines by suggesting that selling a key player cheap in January could hurt their league position more than keeping him and potentially qualifying for Europe, even if it means losing him for nothing later. That’s a bold stance, but one that reflects the club’s long-term thinking: “It sounded very strongly like they intend to keep him unless somebody comes around the corner with a massive offer.”
That said, there are signs Union are preparing for life post-Doekhi. They’ve just secured Zeno van den Bosch on a pre-contract from Royal Antwerp as a potential replacement, which suggests they’re hedging their bets. Still, Holden points out that Doekhi is the priority player to keep, especially as fellow centre-back Diogo Leite (similar contract situation), is being courted by Besiktas. “I think they’d rather sell Diogo in January and lose Doekhi on a free than the other way around,” he says. “Both are very good, but Doekhi brings that extra dimension with his goal threat. He’s not just a defender, he’s a weapon in both boxes.”
So, what does this mean for Leeds? Realistically, unless the 49ers are prepared to shell out a significant fee, likely in the double-digit millions, the move looks unlikely. Union won’t be coerced into a fire sale, especially when they’re sitting comfortably in 9th place and dreaming of European football. Is a centre-back top of Leeds shopping list? No, especially when James Justin has shown how versitile he is. Leeds have filled the number 10 slot with Facundo Buonanotte but are keen to bring another goalscorer to the club. Jorgen Strand Larsen's agent Tore Pedeson was at Elland Road on Saturday; is it an indication that Leeds are about to break the bank to being the Norweigan International to Elland Road?
Fabrizio Romano confirms Schmid talks
Leeds United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that talks are underway between the two clubs over a potential transfer. The Whites are looking to inject more creativity into their midfield and Schmid has emerged as a top target for manager Daniel Farke. Negotiations are said to be centered around a deal worth approximately £13 million, with add-ons potentially increasing the final fee. The 25-year-old Austrian has been a standout performer for Bremen in recent seasons, earning praise for his technical ability, vision, and consistency in a midfield role that blends both defensive discipline and attacking spark.
Nicknamed the "Alpine Lionel Messi" by Sky Sports Germany, a label more about flair than literal comparison, Schmid brings a unique blend of close control, dribbling ability, and goal threat from midfield. While perhaps not quite Messi-level magic, the moniker gives fans a useful reference point: expect a technically gifted, clever playmaker who thrives in tight spaces and can unlock defenses with precise passing or unpredictable runs. Since joining Bremen in 2019 after cutting his teeth at FC Liefering (RB Salzburg's feeder club), Schmid has developed into a key figure for the Bundesliga side, helping stabilize their midfield during periods of transition and contributing crucial goals and assists.
Nmecha's late strike sends Leeds eight points clear of drop zone
Lukas Nmecha’s stoppage-time winner denied Fulham their seventh consecutive game without defeat, and kept Leeds eight point margin between themselves and the drop zone intact in a nail-biting encounter at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon. His fifth of the season exacted sweet revenge for Whites fans after Gabriel Gudmundsson headed into his own net in added time, in the reserve fixture last September, sealing a cruel defeat on Farke's men.
Leeds’ victory, though slender, was a testament to their dominance in key metrics. The hosts controlled the game’s statistical narrative, with Fulham managing just a single shot on target and a meager expected goals (xG) tally of 0.39. At the heart of Farke's defensive revamped backline, a reshuffled trio of Struijk, Rodon (central for the first time this season), and James Justin, supported by Karl Darlow between the sticks after £14m summer signing Lucas Perri was dropped from the starting line-up. Despite the changes, Leeds produced one of their best defensive performances of the season.
Farke’s tactical flexibility was evident, but it was Nmecha’s heroics that will define this encounter. The 27yo, often a subject of debate, delivered when it mattered most, showcasing the composure that has made him one of the best goal per minutes ratio striker in the Premier League this season. His winner, slotting home Ampadu's hopeful cross was a reward for Leeds’ relentless pressing and a reminder of their ability to capitalise in the decisive moments.
Speaking post-match, Farke hailed the performance as the “best win of the season,” praising his team’s “relentless” mindset. “We didn’t allow them to showcase their quality, and the belief never wavered,” he said, emphasising the mental fortitude displayed amid a tightly contested contest. On Nmecha, the German boss was effusive: “He’s one of the best German strikers in the league; his finishing tonight proved it.” The victory also marked a psychological boost for Leeds, who remain firmly in the ascendancy in their bid for safety. “Every point is crucial,” Farke added. “Today, we took three more.”
Doekhi deal looking unlikely
With transfer rumours swirling around Danilho Doekhi's potential move to Elland Road this month, I caught up with Kit Holden, Union Berlin journalist and contributor to the New York Times, to get the lowdown on one of the Bundesliga’s most in-demand defenders. Standing at 6’3”, Doekhi is exactly the type of centre-back that ticks the boxes at Leeds: strong, dominant in the air, physically imposing, and dangerous at getting on the end of set-pieces. It’s easy to see why he’s topping Union’s WhoScored rankings at 7.03 and catching the eye of clubs like Leeds, Aston Villa, Besiktas and Wolfsburg.
As Holden explains, Union Berlin’s stance is as pragmatic as it is cautious. “I think they’d probably sell him if the price is right,” he says, “but that price will probably be quite high.” With Doekhi in the final six months of his contract, there’s an obvious risk for the club, letting him walk on a free in the summer looks like a financial loss on paper. But Union aren’t panicking. Their president recently made headlines by suggesting that selling a key player cheap in January could hurt their league position more than keeping him and potentially qualifying for Europe, even if it means losing him for nothing later. That’s a bold stance, but one that reflects the club’s long-term thinking: “It sounded very strongly like they intend to keep him unless somebody comes around the corner with a massive offer.”
That said, there are signs Union are preparing for life post-Doekhi. They’ve just secured Zeno van den Bosch on a pre-contract from Royal Antwerp as a potential replacement, which suggests they’re hedging their bets. Still, Holden points out that Doekhi is the priority player to keep, especially as fellow centre-back Diogo Leite (similar contract situation), is being courted by Besiktas. “I think they’d rather sell Diogo in January and lose Doekhi on a free than the other way around,” he says. “Both are very good, but Doekhi brings that extra dimension with his goal threat. He’s not just a defender, he’s a weapon in both boxes.”
So, what does this mean for Leeds? Realistically, unless the 49ers are prepared to shell out a significant fee, likely in the double-digit millions, the move looks unlikely. Union won’t be coerced into a fire sale, especially when they’re sitting comfortably in 9th place and dreaming of European football. Is a centre-back top of Leeds shopping list? No, especially when James Justin has shown how versitile he is. Leeds have filled the number 10 slot with Facundo Buonanotte but are keen to bring another goalscorer to the club. Jorgen Strand Larsen's agent Tore Pedeson was at Elland Road on Saturday; is it an indication that Leeds are about to break the bank to being the Norweigan International to Elland Road?
"I think they'd probably sell him if the price is right, but that price will probably be quite high. Union's president made the point this week that you could make more of a financial loss if you sell your best player in January at a cut price and then finish lower in the league than you do if you finish higher in the league and let him go on a free. It sounded very strongly like they intend to keep him unless somebody comes around the corner with a massive offer."
"That said, they have already lined up a replacement in Zeno van den Bosch, so I think they are hedging their bets. Diogo Leite is in the same boat as Doekhi though, and I think they'd rather sell him in January and lose Doekhi on a free than the other way around. Both are very good defenders, but Doekhi has the added value of his goals."
Fabrizio Romano confirms Schmid talks
Leeds United are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that talks are underway between the two clubs over a potential transfer. The Whites are looking to inject more creativity into their midfield and Schmid has emerged as a top target for manager Daniel Farke. Negotiations are said to be centered around a deal worth approximately £13 million, with add-ons potentially increasing the final fee. The 25-year-old Austrian has been a standout performer for Bremen in recent seasons, earning praise for his technical ability, vision, and consistency in a midfield role that blends both defensive discipline and attacking spark.
Nicknamed the "Alpine Lionel Messi" by Sky Sports Germany, a label more about flair than literal comparison, Schmid brings a unique blend of close control, dribbling ability, and goal threat from midfield. While perhaps not quite Messi-level magic, the moniker gives fans a useful reference point: expect a technically gifted, clever playmaker who thrives in tight spaces and can unlock defenses with precise passing or unpredictable runs. Since joining Bremen in 2019 after cutting his teeth at FC Liefering (RB Salzburg's feeder club), Schmid has developed into a key figure for the Bundesliga side, helping stabilize their midfield during periods of transition and contributing crucial goals and assists.