Burnley winger Manuel Benson has been linked to Leeds United; the 26-year-old could be the answer to Daniel Farke’s obvious dilemma.
Leeds linked with Manuel Benson
The January window has consisted of purely outgoings thus far. Djed Spence saw his loan spell cut short, Darko Gyabi has joined Plymouth Argyle and Middlesbrough swooped for Luke Ayling.
Despite the lack of incomings, there’s been plenty of transfer speculation in West Yorkshire. The latest player to be linked is Belgian winger Benson.
Benson is said to be a replacement for Willy Gnonto, who has been strongly linked to a move to West Ham United, according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri (via his personal X account).
Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Dan James, Jaidon Anthony, Patrick Bamford, and Joel Piroe are just a few of the many attacking talents at Farke’s disposal.
But the Burnley guy might be able to help the German with a problem that has surfaced.
Leeds’ lack of substitute goals
Anthony’s goal in the second half of the 3-0 victory over Watford at home back in September is still the only goal one of Farke’s replacements has scored in the 2023–24 campaign.
Farke has typically utilized Gnonto and Anthony as his game-changers. They aren’t, however, having the anticipated effect. Anthony’s goal against Watford is Gnonto’s only contribution thus far; he has one goal and one assist to his name.
The signing of Benson could aid Farke’s ability to impact games.
| Manuel Benson – 2022/23 Championship statistics | ||||
| Appearances (Sub) | Goals when starting | Goals from the bench | Assists when starting | Assists from the bench |
| 33 (19) | 7 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
Last season, the 26-year-old scored 12 goals in 33 Championship games, along with three assists. Crucially, five of those goals came as a substitute, as did all of his assists; he had an impressive trait on impacting a game within little over half-an-hour.
Compared to the likes of Gnonto and Anthony, the Belgian winger could be an excellent addition should a deal be concluded.
| Willy Gnonto & Jaidon Anthony in 2023/24 | |||
| Appearances (Sub) | Goals when starting | Goals from the bench | |
| Willy Gnonto | 21 (15) | 1 | 0 |
| Jaidon Anthony | 19 (17) | 0 | 1 |
Given the form of Summerville, James, and Rutter, Benson is unlikely to crack the starting lineup right away. As a result, Farke may finally start to see his alterations pay off in the closing minutes of games.
While Gnonto and Anthony have failed a combined 31 times, Benson was successful in his most recent Championship run.
Manuel Benson could assist in resolving Leeds’ on-road problems.
Strength in depth is absolutely essential for sides looking to secure automatic promotion – and Benson provides that.
We all know Leeds’ issues lie away from Elland Road. Six wins, six defeats and two draws have resulted in 20 points, compared to 31 at home.
The majority of the division is acutely aware of the Whites’ threats. Sitting deep and forming stubborn low-blocks has been the norm for Leeds to contend with. Benson could be the creative spark needed, particularly in the latter stages of games, from the bench.
Farke must place a right-back at the top of his wish list somewhere else. With Spence’s recall, the Whites are now lacking in that area as a result of Ayling’s departure.
Ben Johnson of West Ham United is apparently a target for the team. According to Football Insider, the Whites are vying with Rangers and Sheffield United for the 23-year-old defender.
If Johnson and Benson sign on, it will be the end of a rather successful winter transfer window in West Yorkshire; the former will take the place of Ayling and Spence, who are leaving, while Benson will give Farke something that his present attacking players have not been able to give him.
