Farke’s new Archie Gray: Leeds in the race to sign exciting “Rolls-Royce”
da spicy bet： Leeds United had a busy 2025 summer transfer window, which has so far helped guide them to 16th in the Premier League and out of the relegation zone.
da betway： Of course, they still have a huge fight on their hands, but they are making good inroads and are in strong form.
Two of the players who joined this summer for free were strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. Both players have four goals this season.
Another of their summer additions, Anton Stach, has stepped up alongside Ethan Ampadu in midfield to become a key man in the centre of the park.
It seems Daniel Farke’s side are targeting further reinforcements in midfield this winter.
Leeds’ latest transfer target
Midfield is one key area Leeds are focused on improving over the course of the next few transfer windows.
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They have recently been linked with a move for Tromso star Jens Hjerto-Dahl, who is one option for the club.
However, in recent days, reports have emerged which suggest the Whites are involved in the race to sign Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan.
According to Foot Mercato, they are said to be ‘closely monitoring’ the Scotland under-21 midfielder and could make a move.
However, they wouldn’t be alone in trying to sign the 23-year-old. Leeds face competition from the Premier League, in the form of Nottingham Forest, and with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and Ligue 1 outfit Lille also interested.
A price is yet to be named, but Football Transfers value him at no more than £1.5m.
Why Mulligan would be a good signing
Versatile midfielder Mulligan only moved to Hibs this summer, leaving fellow Scottish outfit Dundee to switch to the country’s capital city, Edinburgh.
The 23-year-old has shone in the short time he’s played for the club.
So far, Mulligan has made 24 appearances across all competitions in Green, chipping in with three goals and three assists in that time, shining in domestic football and in European competitions, too.
Performances like this one against Falkirk have shown why ex-teammate Simon Ferry described him as a “Rolls-Royce” footballer.
One of the real benefits of Mulligan’s game is the fact that he is so versatile. The 23-year-old is able to operate all across the midfield, although he has played as a defensive midfielder more often than not this term. He can also play at full-back and on the wing.
This sort of versatility is one of the key strengths that Farke saw in Leeds academy graduate Archie Gray. The former Whites star could operate in midfield or, as he did more often in the 52 games he played for the club, as a right-back.
Now at Tottenham Hotspur, Gray has also played as a centre-back and at left-back.
His former manager in North London, Ange Postecoglou, praised the youngster for the way “he just adapts and handles” playing in a variety of positions.
The numbers from Mulligan this term and Gray’s 2023/24 season for Leeds show how similar they are.
The Hibs man averages 11.1 forward passes and 6 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, compared to 13.8 forward passes and 4.8 ball recoveries each game for Gray two years ago.
Mulligan and Gray compared
Stat (per 90)
Mulligan 25/26
Gray 23/24
Pass accuracy
81.51%
83.86%
Opposition half passes completed
15.9
18.1
Forward passes
11.1
13.8
Duels won
4.9
4.6
Recoveries
6
4.8
Stats from Squawka
It is certainly interesting to think Farke may be able to recreate the dynamic he had with Gray at right-back if Leeds were to sign Mulligan.
The ex-Leeds star would often tuck into midfield in possession, and was comfortable doing so because he is naturally a midfielder.
Looking at the underlying numbers above, it seems likely the Scot could do that job, too. He is certainly comfortable operating in central areas, with good technical ability.
It would certainly be an interesting move for Leeds that could make them even better in possession.
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