AliousAlthough Lukas Nmecha grabbed the headlines with his late winner in Leeds United’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham, the result was built on a strong collective performance from Daniel Farke’s side.
One of the standout contributors was Ethan Ampadu, who has been described as enjoying “such a good season” by The Athletic’s Adam Crafton. Against Fulham, Ampadu impressed both defensively and creatively, winning six duels and supplying the assist for Nmecha’s decisive goal.
Leeds continue January transfer hunt
Leeds have already been active in the January window as they look to strengthen their squad, securing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Chelsea to add creativity to midfield.
However, recruitment is far from finished. Brighton loanee Buonanotte may have arrived, but Leeds remain keen to reinforce their attacking options, with Jorgen Strand Larsen still firmly under consideration as a centre-forward target.
Brenden Aaronson also caught the eye against Fulham, receiving a standing ovation when substituted late on. The American midfielder was a constant threat, producing two key passes and winning six ground duels during an energetic display.
While Farke will be pleased with the intensity and quality shown across the team, he remains eager to bring in further reinforcements this month, with a new striker still high on Leeds’ wishlist.
Troy Parrott emerges as key target
According to sources close to the player speaking to FootballFanCast earlier this week, Leeds are also monitoring AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott as a potential January signing.
The Republic of Ireland international is reportedly settled in the Netherlands, where he is enjoying prolific form in the Eredivisie. However, Parrott is believed to be open to a return to the Premier League after failing to establish himself at Tottenham Hotspur earlier in his career.
This is where Leeds come into the picture. Reports suggest the club’s ownership group has already held discussions regarding a possible move this month, with initial contact made.
Should Leeds succeed in securing Parrott, it could prove a more impactful signing than pursuing Werder Bremen midfielder Romano Schmid, who has also been heavily linked with the club.
Why Parrott fits Leeds better than Schmid
Despite ongoing speculation, a move for Schmid now appears unlikely, with Buonanotte’s arrival seemingly ending Leeds’ interest in the Austrian playmaker.
From a tactical perspective, Leeds prioritising Parrott makes sense. Buonanotte is already a proven Premier League performer, and Farke also has Aaronson as a creative presence in central areas, reducing the urgency of spending around £12 million on Schmid.
In contrast, Leeds have often relied on narrow margins to secure victories this season. Adding a natural goalscorer like Parrott could significantly boost their attacking threat and ease the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 23-year-old striker has been in sensational form, scoring 19 goals in all competitions from just 1,896 minutes this season. His consistency since leaving Tottenham has reinforced his reputation as a “phenomenal” finisher, a label previously given to him by former manager Ryan Lowe.
By comparison, Schmid’s output of two goals and five assists for Bremen mirrors Aaronson’s own return of three goals and four assists for Leeds, suggesting his impact may not be transformative.
Parrott’s pedigree is further underlined by his seven career hat-tricks across 292 appearances, as well as his physical edge—averaging 4.3 duels won per league match, compared to Schmid’s 3.4.
Ultimately, there is no guarantee Schmid would have adapted quickly to life in Yorkshire. Parrott, however, would arrive with a point to prove after being released by Spurs, having since developed into what Shelbourne defender Paddy Barrett once described as an “unbelievable” striker—one who has consistently tormented defences wherever he has played.
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