adminDaniel Farke revealed that Leeds United’s deadline day additions are eligible to feature on Saturday, although he also suggested that one of the new arrivals may not be prepared to have an immediate impact in the first team.
Melvin Bard and Jean-Matteo Bahoya completed their moves to the Whites on deadline day and were registered in time to be available for the trip to Brighton.
Farke explained that following Friday’s training session, the club would assess whether both players were ready to be included in the matchday squad for the away fixture.
Bard arrived on loan, with Leeds requiring additional defensive cover.
Club sources have already indicated that expectations surrounding the 25-year-old are relatively modest.
Leeds United star may not be ready according to Daniel Farke
Jean-Matteo Bahoya was another player to arrive after the transfer deadline.
Leeds secured the winger on a season-long loan that includes an obligation to buy. Reports suggest the clause is based on appearances, although there has been no confirmation of the number of matches required to trigger it.
Daniel Farke explained that the winger had been on the club’s radar, but described him more as a ‘project’ player.
”In Jean-Matteo’s case, it was not like this. He was on our list before, and watched him before. I spoke with the Frankfurt sporting director about his character. Finalised on the last day but knew we would sign a project.” he said in Thursday’s press conference.
During the same press conference, Farke stressed the need to keep expectations under control.
Good addition with Wilson and prospect in Jean-Matteo. Also important to manage expectations, we like him a lot but from Bundesliga and not playing too much at the end of last season. We’ll give him time and backing but want to develop him.
This suggests that the winger is unlikely to become an immediate regular and could instead be eased into first-team action gradually.
Bahoya will need to demonstrate his quality before he can move ahead of Brenden Aaronson, Harry Wilson and Noah Okafor in the pecking order.
Wilfried Gnonto shows how things can develop differently
Bringing young players into the first team is a complicated process, particularly when expectations are high.
When Leeds United signed Wilfried Gnonto, he was quickly handed opportunities at senior level. The Italian impressed during his opening matches, but unfortunately, the inconsistency surrounding the club also had an effect on his development.
Across the following seasons, he eventually lost his position in the starting lineup after initially establishing himself as an important first-team option.
Daniel Farke eventually allowed him to leave on loan after being unable to guarantee him regular first-team opportunities. Leeds will now need to ensure a similar situation does not develop with Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
The winger should be gradually introduced to English first-team football while continuing his development. If that approach proves successful, the 49ers could have an excellent player on their hands.
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