Leeds United Faces Goal-Scoring Challenges Amidst Transfer Speculations
Leeds United is grappling with difficulties in the attacking third of the pitch. Under the management of Daniel Farke, the team has conceded only eight league goals across 10 matches, marking the third-best defensive record in the Premier League. However, the club’s offensive struggles are evident, as they have mustered a mere 10 goals, with only Nottingham Forest and Sunderland scoring less frequently. A narrow 1-0 victory at home against Tottenham last Saturday, thanks to Noah Okafor’s late strike, ended a five-match winless streak, lifting Leeds into the top half of the table with 14 points. However, five of their 10 games have concluded as draws.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin carries a significant burden for the team. The 29-year-old forward was prolific last season, scoring 14 league goals, but has only netted three times this term. His fitness levels raise concerns for Leeds, as Transfermarkt notes that he has been sidelined for nearly 600 days due to injuries from 2018-19 through to last summer.
In Farke’s 3-5-2 system, both Lukas Nmecha and Okafor provide support, requiring two strikers to share the workload. Complicating matters further, Manchester United reportedly views Calvert-Lewin as a potential target in their January striker search, according to an update from The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, though he described a transfer as unlikely. Meanwhile, Leeds is keen to extend Calvert-Lewin’s contract.
Scouts at the Stadium of Light
Leeds’ need for a goal scorer led them to Sunderland on 5 November, as reported by Graeme Bailey’s exclusive in TEAMtalk. Both Leeds and Newcastle United dispatched top scouts to observe Dinamo Zagreb during their 2-0 Europa League victory, where Croatian striker Dion Beljo featured prominently by scoring a goal. Beljo, 24, has achieved an impressive tally of 17 goals in just 17 games this season, totaling 115 goals throughout his career.
Newcastle is looking to bolster their attack with talents like Matthias Jaissle’s Yoan Wissa and William Osula. Several clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham, Everton, Brighton, Brentford, and Sunderland, are also monitoring Beljo’s progress. Dinamo Zagreb has him contracted until 2030, allowing them to demand a transfer fee estimated at around £21 million.
Beljo’s stature of 6ft 5in, combined with his left-footed shots, creates considerable interest. Last season, he netted 31 league goals as Dinamo won the title. Rapid Vienna’s sporting director Markus Katzer described him as technically gifted and agile for his size, capable of holding the ball effectively. Despite the excitement, questions remain regarding his adaptation to the Premier League’s physical demands, as most of his goals have come in Croatian leagues, and he struggled to establish himself during his time at Augsburg.
Should Leeds United Make Beljo Their January Priority?
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Dion Beljo of GNK Dinamo Zagreb chases the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD4 match between Sunderland AFC and GNK Dinamo at Stadium of Light on November 05, 2026, in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
While Beljo is an attractive option for Leeds, the club must approach the situation with caution, ensuring they don’t overextend financially. The team desperately needs a robust striker strategy rather than relying on high-profile signings. Both Calvert-Lewin and Beljo share similar attributes, which may lead to a redundant investment rather than enhancing the team. Beljo’s capabilities in hold-up play align well with Farke’s system, which values time for wing-backs to advance, and goals from him could remedy Leeds’ tendency to see matches conclude in draws.
However, the financial leverage of clubs like Manchester United and Tottenham could outstrip what Leeds is willing to pay, especially for a player with a stellar past season yet an unsettled period in Germany. If Dinamo remains firm on their valuation, Leeds may want to consider investing in a faster forward who can stretch defenses. With only 10 goals scored in 10 league matches, introducing a second target man will only prove beneficial if there’s a consistent supply of chances to convert.
