Leeds backed to sign ‘third number nine’ in January transfer window as Jermaine Beckford talks up ‘extra competition’ for England star Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Dominic Calvert-Lewin Lukas Nmecha Leeds 2026-27 - Getty/GOAL Leeds rewarded for their calculated gamble on Calvert-Lewin Having wrapped up the Championship title in 2025 and booked return tickets to the Premier League, Leeds pulled off quite the coup when acquiring Calvert-Lewin as a free agent.
Key points
- Daniel Farke’s side returned to winning ways last time out against Tottenham, having gone five without success, and entered the November international break - with Calvert-Lewin heading off with England again - perched ninth in the top-flight standings, just two points adrift of fifth-placed Chelsea.
- The January window comes around, I'm hoping to see a number nine get pulled up.
- Beckford expects that issue to be addressed at the turn of another calendar year, with the former Whites striker - who was speaking in association with FreeBets, home of the best UK betting sites - telling GOAL when asked about finding more firepower: “Lukas Nmecha's there as well.
Nmecha provides back-up to England star at Elland Road Nmecha provides back-up to England star at Elland Road Calvert-Lewin has been able to steer clear of the treatment room, allowing consistency and confidence to be built.
Additional details
- “As a number nine, somebody that plays up top as well in that position, I know that a lot of that is down to confidence.
- While performances at club level have allowed that nod to be earned, Leeds remain aware that they cannot afford to push their powerful No.9 to breaking point.
- The false number nine doesn't quite fit a Leeds United team.
- Although he's not been playing week in, week out, when he does come off the bench, he shows a lot of the attributes that Dom's got - the physicality, the hard running into the channels.
- “I would like to see a third number nine, if I'm honest.
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