AliousDon Goodman has weighed in on the speculation linking Leeds United to Nottingham Forest’s center-back, Andrew Omobamidele, calling the potential move “interesting” but questioning its necessity.
**Leeds’ Current Position and Defensive Strengths**
Leeds United sits atop the Championship table with 53 points from 26 matches, leading the race for automatic promotion. Despite occasional defensive lapses—most notably involving goalkeeper Illan Meslier in draws against Sunderland and Hull City—Daniel Farke’s side boasts some of the best defensive stats in the league. Central defenders Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have been key contributors, making Leeds’ backline one of the strongest in the competition.
**Omobamidele’s Links to Leeds and Other Clubs**
Reports of Leeds’ interest in Omobamidele first surfaced last summer and have resurfaced in the January window. Leeds is reportedly negotiating a loan-to-buy deal with Nottingham Forest, who value the 22-year-old Republic of Ireland international at £10 million. Sheffield United, another promotion rival, is also in the race, exploring a loan arrangement.
The connection between Farke and Omobamidele stems from their time together at Norwich City, where the defender made his professional debut. However, Goodman questions whether Omobamidele, who has struggled for consistent minutes at Nottingham Forest, represents an upgrade over Leeds’ current options.
**Goodman’s Verdict**
“Daniel Farke knows Andrew Omobamidele, and he was a decent Championship defender at Norwich,” Goodman told Plejmo.com. “However, he hasn’t made a significant impact at Nottingham Forest. I’m not convinced he’s an upgrade on what Leeds currently has or that the club really needs him for depth.”
Goodman acknowledges Omobamidele’s potential, highlighting his 2023/24 Premier League stats:
– **Appearances**: 11
– **Starts**: 8
– **Interceptions per 90**: 1.49
– **Clearances per 90**: 4.83
– **Aerials won per 90**: 1.15
– **Dribblers tackled success rate**: 62.5%
While Goodman doesn’t dispute the defender’s ability, he questions whether Leeds should prioritize strengthening other areas of the squad, especially when their defensive core is performing well.
**Farke’s Sentimental Connection and the Bigger Picture**
Daniel Farke’s familiarity with Omobamidele could influence Leeds’ decision. After all, Farke oversaw the defender’s development at Norwich, where he turned a promising talent into an £11 million asset. However, Goodman suggests that sentiment shouldn’t cloud judgment, particularly given Omobamidele’s limited appearances at Nottingham Forest and Leeds’ current defensive depth.
**Potential Outgoings Could Change the Equation**
The situation could shift if Leeds loses key defenders in the window. Max Wober has been linked with a return to RB Salzburg, while Struijk has drawn interest from Premier League clubs Brighton, Wolves, and Tottenham. If either departs, Leeds may have reason to pursue Omobamidele as a replacement.
However, if both players remain at Elland Road, investing £10 million in Omobamidele—who would likely serve as backup—seems unnecessary, especially with other positions in need of reinforcement. Goodman’s analysis underscores that while Omobamidele is a talented prospect, Leeds must carefully consider whether his signing aligns with their immediate needs and long-term goals.
Alious
