Leeds United to pursue a second transfer agreement with AFC Bournemouth to address the Daniel Farke situation

Leeds United’s decision to sell Georginio Rutter in the summer of 2024 has left them without a creative No. 10, which may pose challenges in certain matches this season. AFC Bournemouth’s David Brooks could be the solution to this issue.
Although Leeds has made a strong start to the season, featuring creative players like Willy Gnonto and new signing Largie Ramazani on the wings, their playstyle relies heavily on pace and direct runs into space. What they currently lack is a central attacking player who can break down defenses with creativity and vision.
While Rutter often struggled with inconsistency and overplaying in tight situations, he had a talent for holding up the ball and linking up play, providing Leeds with more attacking variety. His individual skill frequently opened opportunities, but that kind of match-winning influence from a central player is less evident in the current 2024/25 squad.
Under Daniel Farke, the team has developed a well-structured and defensively solid system, but adding a player who can orchestrate attacks in the final third would significantly enhance their capabilities. Bringing in a creative midfielder in January could be crucial for their promotion ambitions.
With depth in wide positions and a strong defensive lineup already in place, acquiring a central creative option could be the finishing touch for Leeds as they strive for promotion. Identifying someone who can consistently supply strikers could be the key to completing Farke’s project.
Joe Rothwell, who joined from Bournemouth this summer, is starting to find his place in the Leeds setup after a slow beginning. However, another loan from the Cherries might just be the answer to Farke’s creative dilemma.
David Brooks could be the answer for Leeds and Farke
There’s no denying that Rutter was one of Leeds’ standout players and among the top creators in the Championship, making his absence significant, especially after the club failed to sign an established playmaker. Leeds aimed to build their team around him and even negotiated to convince him to stay, but it seemed likely he would decline their contract offer in favor of joining Brighton.
Rutter was a genuine difference-maker and match-winner for coach Daniel Farke. Despite attempts to secure big-money signings like Gus Hamer for £13 million and pursuing SC Freiburg’s Roland Sallai in a reported £10 million deal, Leeds could not find a similar attacking midfielder.
Now, Farke may need to look within his existing squad for solutions. One potential target for a loan or permanent transfer in January is David Brooks, the Bournemouth attacker who can play as a winger or an attacking midfielder, similar to Rutter, but is in need of a fresh start.
Under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth, Brooks has fallen out of favor and rarely features, even when on the bench. He possesses a level of class that enhances any team, whether playing wide or centrally. His playmaking skills set him apart from traditional wingers; he can drift into half-spaces and control the tempo of the game.
Brooks has an innate ability to find space where others struggle, making him a persistent threat between the lines. His vision and precision in delivering passes into dangerous areas make him an ideal creative outlet, particularly for teams like Leeds that have struggled against deep-lying defenses in the past two seasons.
In addition to his technical prowess, Brooks remains calm under pressure, effectively linking midfield and attack. His intelligence in finding space and the accuracy of his passing make him a valuable asset for teams looking to enhance their creativity in the final third.
As the January transfer window approaches, several Championship clubs will likely monitor Brooks, especially given his reduced role at Bournemouth. His skill set is crucial for unlocking tight defenses and could provide the spark necessary to turn draws into wins—an invaluable trait for promotion-contending teams.
A loan deal with an option to buy seems like the most logical route for all parties involved, and Leeds would do well to consider it. Brooks has previously been a game-changer in the Championship, and a move to West Yorkshire could rejuvenate his career.