Manor Solomon’s arrival from Tottenham gives Leeds United real depth in the attacking positions, but doesn’t really solve their number 10 dilemma.
Solomon is set to join on a season-long-loan deal from Spurs subject to the passing of a medical today (Saturday 24 August), making it two attacking signings in just three days.
Leeds have not negotiated a purchase option in the deal for Solomon, whose preference has always been to stay in England, after rejecting an offer from La Liga side Getafe.
Despite encountering some serious injury problems during his time at Spurs, Solomon is seen as a big coup at this level considering his time at both Shakhtar Donetsk and Fulham.
Incidentally, he scored an excellent goal in the FA Cup for Fulham against Leeds almost 18 months ago and hopefully there will be more of them at Elland Road.
Leeds face Joel Piroe decision after Solomon arrival
The only confusing aspect of the deal bringing Solomon to Leeds is whether Daniel Farke sees him as the Geirginio Rutter replacement.
With Largie Ramazani brought into fill the Crysencio Summerville-shaped hole, Farke’s other attacking priority was to do the same with Rutter, but Solomon is very much a left-winger in the mould of what they already have.
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As such, either a new left-footed right-winger, or number 10 certainly would not go amiss in the next six days, but surely the only chance of that happening is if someone departs.
Given how important of a position it is, Leeds should look to do exactly that and Joel Piroe is the most obvious choice to be moved on.
Piroe started at number 10 in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at West Bromwich Albion and looked incredibly ineffective, which saw him dropped to the bench for the win at Sheffield Wednesday and receive just a handful of minutes.
Since his £10.5 million arrival from Swansea City 12 months ago, Piroe has had spells in the team both leading the line and in attacking midfielder, but just hasn’t made an impact in either.
Game time is now only going to be more limited with the options Farke has in attack, meaning it would make sense for all parties if he was to depart.
Who should Leeds bring in as his replacement?
Moving Piroe on would open up space for Leeds to bring in a left-footed right-winger and the fact they have been linked with so many, could indicate it is still on the cards.
Roland Sallai, Manuel Benson and Ilan Kebbal have all been mentioned as options, but it would be the arrival of the former which really sends out a statement.
It would allow Wilfried Gnonto to move central, where he shone so brightly at Hillsborough, with Ramazani and Solomon competing on the left.
Aaronson would then be Gnonto’s competition, with James the same for Sallai. That would be proper squad depth and show there is no room for Piroe.