Phil Hay shares Daniel Farke’s ‘Biggest Issue’ with Djed Spence as Leeds United transfer decision made
Phil Hay has revealed what Daniel Farke’s motivating motivation for sending Djed Spence back to Tottenham from Leeds United was.
The dependable reporter claims in an interview with The Square Ball podcast on January 12 that the right-back struggled with tardiness and failed to demonstrate the necessary work ethic during practices and matches.
All of these factors combined led Farke to conclude that Leeds would be better off ending his loan period this month and that finding a replacement full-back would now take precedence over all other transfers during the transfer window.
“The biggest issue for Farke was I think the performance levels,” he said.
“They weren’t quite right, they just weren’t what he was looking for. But there were issues with lateness as well and things like that.
“It was one of those situations where in the end it made more sense for Leeds to send him back because it just wasn’t working for them.
“They are [looking for transfers],” he said. “My impression was that they always would be active this month, irrespective of what happened with Spence and knowing there was a chance that Ayling could go.
“My understanding is that they still are.”
No shock
Spence has a history of bad attitude, and it has long been said that his off-field antics will determine how successful he is in the professional game.
Given his ability to get forward, there is no denying that, when at his best, he is an excellent right-back who could play for any of the best clubs.
That being said, professionalism off the pitch ranks highly in Farke’s view, since he has made it apparent from the beginning that being in his good graces goes beyond just doing well.
He made it quite evident what standards he expected of the team and of all those engaged in the summer by the way he handled Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra, and Spence obviously failed to live up to them.
Although it was unexpected, it appears that letting Spence leave was the right option for the team as a whole. However, the board must now make sure that the squad doesn’t suffer from a shortage of players after permitting Ayling to join Middlesbrough.
In a related news:
Leicester City left-back would ‘fit the bill’ at Leeds United as his loan at Sheffield United is terminated
We are excited to have Paul Robinson, a former England custodian, join us as an exclusive columnist. Paul will provide his thoughts on the main topics at Leeds United each week.
Paul Robinson claims that although Luke Thomas is a “good player” and would “fit the bill” at Leeds United, Leicester City is not likely to want to work with the team.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay reports that Sheffield United announced on Friday night, January 12, that the left-back’s loan with the Blades has ended due to a mutual agreement with the Foxes. This could potentially make him available for a transfer to Elland Road, as the Whites made two attempts to sign him during the summer window.
In spite of the fact that both teams are fighting for automatic promotion back to the Premier League, former Leeds and England custodian Robinson believes a deal is unlikely since Leicester won’t want to support a rival.
Daniel Farke’s left-back position is seen as a priority in the January transfer window because Sam Byram and Junior Firpo are both frequent injury concerns.
Robinson believes the Whites will need to find assistance elsewhere before the deadline, even with Thomas’s 22-year-old sudden availability.
In an exclusive interview with MOT Leeds News, he stated: “Listen, they might want to reinforce the left-back position in January.
“But I can’t see it happening. Leicester and Leeds, they’re vying for automatic promotion.
“It’s very, very unlikely that these clubs will do business. You’re not going to give one of your main rivals a leg up and a helping hand.
“Yes he’s a good player and yes he would fit the bill as to what Leeds need.
“But as far as the two clubs are concerned, where they are in the league, a lower-half Championship move for him to get football I can see.
“But I can’t see Leicester giving Leeds any of their players to be honest.”
