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Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.
He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.
Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.
Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.
He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.
Leeds United will need to work tirelessly to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle this term, with the 49ers looking set to splash the cash in the market.
Daniel Farke has constantly spoken out about the need for added reinforcements, but it appears as though the hierarchy have listened to his demands in recent days.
A club-record deal for James Trafford appears to be edging closer every day, with the Englishman set to arrive at Elland Road alongside £34m addition Tarik Muharemovic.
However, if the Whites are to further rise up the Premier League table, they will need further signings - with the attacking department needing to be next on the agenda.
Why Leeds need added attacking reinforcements this summer
Harry Wilson may have already arrived at Leeds this summer, but Farke will certainly be wanting added reinforcements to help ease the pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 29-year-old, who arrived on a free transfer last summer, ended the recent campaign with 14 league goals - the most of any player within the senior ranks.
However, no other player managed to achieve double figures in the top-flight, with the club heavily reliant on the Englishman to provide the goods in front of goal.
Calvert-Lewin has also had his injury issues over recent times before his switch to Elland Road, with one fitness issue undoubtedly derailing the club’s ambitions of rising up the table.
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin |
14 |
|
Noah Okafor |
8 |
|
Lukas Nmecha |
6 |
|
Anton Stach |
5 |
|
Brenden Aaronson |
4 |
|
Ao Tanaka |
2 |
|
James Justin |
2 |
|
Joe Rodon |
2 |
Lukas Nmecha is the current back-up option, with fellow striker Joel Piroe expected to depart the Whites - which could free up needed funds to improve the attacking department.
The former of the aforementioned duo did manage to score six times in England’s top division, showcasing he can provide a bit-part option off the bench.
However, if the Whites are to genuinely mount a push for the top-half of the table next term, added goalscoring quality is desperately needed within Farke’s ranks.
How Leeds can land their next Calvert-Lewin this summer
Despite upwards of £75m being spent after Trafford’s pending move to join Leeds, the 49ers appear to be lining up added reinforcements within attacking areas.
Julian Brandt did appear to be the club’s number one forward target, but a move failed to materialise - with the German star joining Ajax on a free transfer last week.
However, such a move hadn’t deterred the Whites in the market, as they continue to target added reinforcements, which has seen Burnley striker Zian Flemming once again emerge on their radar.
It’s been reported by Football Insider that Farke’s men have a genuine interest in the 28-year-old and are said to be targeting a move for his signature in the weeks ahead.
They also claim Brentford are monitoring the Dutch talent at present, which has led to a £15m asking price being slapped on his head by the Championship side, who are expecting to receive bids this summer.
A bit like with Calvert-Lewin last summer, many Leeds supporters are uninspired by such a deal, but it could prove to be a phenomenal piece of business should he build on his success from last term.
When comparing the aforementioned duo’s respective stats, Flemming managed to match or better the Englishman in various key areas - highlighting his quality despite suffering relegation.
The Burnley man netted three fewer top-flight goals last campaign, but did so whilst featuring for over 1000 minutes less than the current Whites number nine throughout 2025/26.
He also managed to score his tally of goals whilst registering fewer attempts on the opposition goal, which could make him a more clinical option for Farke’s men next season.
Flemming’s aerial ability will undoubtedly be another huge asset for the Whites, as he matched Calvert-Lewin for the number of headed shots taken per 90 in the Premier League.
The Dutchman also won more of the aerial duels he entered last term, whilst completing more of his passes - which could arguably make him a better focal point to play off for Farke’s side.
Despite his stocky frame, the Burnley star completed more of the dribbles he attempted in England’s top-flight, which could offer the Whites a more complete talent and add a new dimension to the attack.
£15m for a player of Flemming’s quality could prove to be an excellent deal for Farke’s men this summer, with the 28-year-old able to add a proven Premier League talent to their ranks.
He and Calvert-Lewin would be able to fight it out for the starting striker role, but more importantly for the manager, it gives him the needed selection headache - the signal of a top-quality side.
















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