Published Jun 3, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

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.

After securing promotion with the Whites two seasons ago, doubts were cast amongst supporters at Elland Road about whether or not the 49-year-old could prevent the side from immediate relegation.

However, Farke led the club to 14th place this season, but has now rocked the hierarchy by asking for added funds to take the club to the next level in the near future.

It appears as though the 49ers have listened to his demands, subsequently drawing up a list of attacking reinforcements ahead of the summer transfer window.

Leeds line up move to land £21m attacker this summer

Farke made the call to switch to a 3-5-2 system during the 2025/26 campaign, which saw the German operate with a two-striker system for the first time at Elland Road.

As a result, Juventus star Loïs Openda has emerged as a potential transfer target for the Whites this summer, with the Belgian expected to be allowed to leave on loan.

The 26-year-old also has huge admirers from newly-promoted Coventry City ahead of the summer window, which could lead to a potential transfer battle.

However, he’s not the only player to appear on the recruitment team’s shortlist of late, with Aston Villa striker Tammy Abraham another option being considered.

According to TEAMtalk, the Englishman could be allowed to depart Unai Emery’s side this summer after failing to dislodge Ollie Watkins after his £21m January transfer - with Leeds plotting a move for his signature.

The report also states that the likes of Everton and Sunderland are two other Premier League clubs currently monitoring the 28-year-old’s progress at present.

No fee has been mentioned over the possibility of a permanent transfer, but the player himself would be open to a transfer if he was handed the responsibility of being the main talisman.

Why Abraham would be better than Calvert-Lewin for Leeds

Less than 12 months ago, Leeds secured the signing of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after the centre-forward was released by fellow Premier League side, Everton.

Many questioned the transfer amid his consistent injury record on Merseyside, but the Englishman has massively silenced the doubters during his period at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old only missed three league games throughout the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign - even managing to score 14 times, the most of any player in Farke’s squad.

He’s certainly exceeded beyond anyone’s wildest expectations in Yorkshire, even being called up to Thomas Tuchel’s England international squad back in late March.

However, his role as Leeds’ starting number nine could come under threat next term, especially if the hierarchy are able to secure a deal for Villa star, Abraham.

He may have only netted twice for Emery’s side since his transfer in January, but he does have previous form in starring in front of goal within England’s top-flight.

The 28-year-old has netted 28 goals in England’s top-flight, subsequently doing so in 101 matches - an average of a goal in every 3.6 matches he’s featured in.

Such a record is better than that of Calvert-Lewin, with his compatriot undoubtedly a more clinical option in front of goal than the current Whites number nine.

Abraham, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist Matteo Bonetti, has also won more of the aerial duels he’s entered this campaign - numbers which could make him the perfect target-man.

His conversion rate this term is also better than that of Calvert-Lewin, whilst posting a better percentage of his shots on target - once again demonstrating his clinical edge.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Villa star could cost this summer, it is a deal Farke’s men should be looking to pursue, given his quality in such a division.

His experience and quality in front of goal is hard to find in the modern-game, with his goalscoring ability able to take the club up a notch during 2026/27.

Calvert-Lewin may feel hard done by should he lose his starting role, but it could offer added fuel in his stomach to reach the next level once again next season.