adminLeeds United are unwilling to rush into handing striker Lukas Nmecha a new contract, with sources describing his situation as fluid and the German forward effectively playing for his future at Elland Road, sources can reveal.
The Whites have taken significant strides since their return to the Premier League and currently sit third in the table after four matches of their second campaign back in the top flight.
While Leeds can certainly feel encouraged about their chances of enjoying a strong season following the impressive starts made by their summer arrivals – with James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Nico Elvedi all putting in excellent performances – not every member of Daniel Farke’s squad is satisfied with their current situation.
Indeed, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin firmly established as the club’s first-choice striker and arguably enjoying the best form of his career, starting opportunities and even minutes on the pitch have been difficult to find for Nmecha so far.
The physically imposing 27-year-old became United’s first signing following their return to the Premier League when he joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, putting pen to paper on a two-year contract at Elland Road.
However, while Leeds opted to reward several of his teammates with extended agreements during the summer – Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Brenden Aaronson and Jayden Bogle all agreeing new and improved contracts – Nmecha has had to watch on as time continues to run down on his deal.
Indeed, having asked about the situation, we have been informed that Nmecha’s future is one “being assessed” and a “fluid” one, with the club very pleased with his contribution to the squad, but with the management remaining undecided over whether they will offer him a new contract.
Effectively, and reading between the lines somewhat, Nmecha is effectively playing for his future at Elland Road.
And with the 52-goal star’s contract due to expire at the end of the season, a January sale of Nmecha, while the club can still receive some sort of fee for him, is not being ruled out, although that comes with a major caveat…
Leeds in a delicate situation with Lukas Nmecha
By choosing not to offer him a new contract, Leeds also understand that they could lose the seven-cap Germany international on a free transfer next summer. Furthermore, Nmecha will also be eligible to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club of his choice from January 1, and it would be wrong to presume his agent is not monitoring potential opportunities.
And the striker, who has 52 goals across his career, including seven in 37 appearances for Leeds, would not lack suitors should he enter free agency.
As revealed, Leeds are also not dismissing the possibility of selling the player during the winter window, although that would carry its own dangers.
Nmecha has supplied important and experienced cover for Calvert-Lewin, and his departure would leave Leeds needing to bring in a replacement.
Indeed, 49ers Enterprises would be unlikely to approve his exit unless an alternative had already been identified. Having allowed both Joel Piroe and Joe Gelhardt to depart during the summer, Leeds would have no other player in their squad capable of spearheading the attack beyond DCL if Nmecha were permitted to leave.
That said, the Whites are constantly exploring opportunities to strengthen their squad, and it would also be no surprise if the club were already considering possible upgrades, much as they did during the summer when Trafford and Muharemovic arrived as replacements for Karl Darlow / Lucas Perri and Pascal Struijk.
We are told that Leeds are receptive to signing a developing striker to provide cover for Calvert-Lewin – rather than challenge him for his starting position – and one player who could potentially fill that role is record-breaking New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall, whom TEAMtalk exclusively revealed earlier this month is on the Whites’ radar.
For now, however, nothing has been determined, although it is clear that Nmecha’s future remains delicately poised and a decision regarding his next move will be made in the weeks and months ahead.
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