Leeds star has been “one of the best in the PL” but now he could be dropped

Leeds United face a must-win Premier League clash away at Nottingham Forest — or risk sinking even deeper into the relegation zone.

Daniel Farke’s side sit dangerously close to the drop after a dismal 3–0 defeat to Brighton on Saturday. The loss leaves Leeds just two points clear of Forest, who could leapfrog them with a victory.

To make matters worse, Sean Dyche boasts six career wins against the Whites, while Leeds remain winless — and goalless — on their travels since a 3–1 victory over Wolves months ago.

Farke now needs an immediate response from his players after the humiliation at the Amex, and several of his summer signings could find themselves dropped as a result.

Leeds’ summer signings under scrutiny

Not one Leeds player could hold their head high after the Brighton debacle. Even marquee addition Noah Okafor, despite showing flashes of skill with five successful dribbles, was slammed by former player Jon Newsome, who branded him a “passenger” for his sloppy ball retention — having lost possession 19 times against the Seagulls.

Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to frustrate up front. The striker, who joined on a free from Everton, has just one league goal to his name and could be dropped after another ineffective outing.

At the back, £15 million defender Jaka Bijol struggled badly, winning only one duel and no tackles before being overrun by Brighton’s attack.

His place could be taken by Pascal Struijk, with Farke desperate to stabilise a defence that allowed Diego Gomez acres of space for Brighton’s second goal.

Farke may ring the changes

Farke is expected to shake things up for the crucial trip to Forest, with several underperformers at risk of being axed.

Earlier in the campaign, Leeds had shown glimpses of promise — notably in their 3–1 win over Wolves, where summer arrivals Anton Stach, Calvert-Lewin, and Okafor all found the net.

Another standout that day was Gabriel Gudmundsson, who impressed with eight clearances and three duels won, earning praise from The Leeds Press as a player who “gives everything.”

At £10 million, the Swedish left-back was even hailed by journalist James Marshment as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League this season.”

However, Gudmundsson’s performance against Brighton was a disaster. He was repeatedly beaten by Yankuba Minteh and lost possession 16 times, undoing much of his earlier good work.

As a result, James Justin could be handed a start in his place, as Farke looks to inject new energy into his faltering side.

The road ahead

Leeds’ away form has been dreadful, and the trip to the City Ground now feels like a defining moment in their season. Farke must find a formula that reignites the hunger and discipline his team have lacked.

Anything less than a win could leave the Whites staring down the barrel of a relegation fight few expected just months ago.