Leeds United have now entered contention to sign a new striker, despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin making a solid start to the Premier League season.
The Englishman got on the scoresheet 14 times in the Premier League during the 2025-26 campaign, and he has registered three goals in six matches this term, looking particularly impressive when he bagged a brace in the emphatic 4-1 victory against Newcastle United.
|
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s career goal record |
Appearances |
Goals |
|
Everton |
273 |
71 |
|
Leeds |
47 |
19 |
|
Northampton |
26 |
8 |
|
Sheffield United |
12 |
0 |
|
Stalybridge Celtic |
5 |
6 |
However, Lukas Nmecha hasn’t been quite as prolific, with the German predominantly being utilised as a late substitute so far this season, and he is yet to get off the mark in the Premier League, most recently making a limited impact against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Whites fell to their first defeat of the season on Saturday, coming up short in a narrow 2-1 defeat against the reigning champions, but Daniel Farke made it clear he was pleased with his side’s display.
Farke said: “Gutted for my lads because they showed an excellent performance today. I’m heartbroken that we didn’t take anything away. But also proud because we played excellent in the first half.
“For 65 minutes we were dominant but they have quality players from the bench, with a little bit of luck – out of not much – they equalised and they are all of a sudden back in the game.”
A return of nine points from six games is still very respectable, but potential signings are now being identified ahead of the January transfer window, and a Ligue 1 star is of particular interest.
Leeds enter contention to sign Esteban Lepaul
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Leeds are now in the race to sign Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, after conducting checks on the Frenchman during the summer transfer window, but there could be fierce competition in the race for his signature.
Everton and Aston Villa are also named as potential suitors for the centre-forward, who only recently signed a new contract at Rennes, which extended his stay at Roazhon Park until 2030.
It is no surprise the French side were so eager to tie the 26-year-old down, as he won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot award last season, courtesy of scoring 21 goals in 32 outings, while he also grabbed five assists.
Armand Garrido, who coached the France international during his time with Lyon, has also singled him out for high praise, saying: “He was always a sharpshooter who looked to shoot from every position. His shots were fast and powerful, no matter the distance.
“He was drawn to the goal; he didn’t play it safe, he took risks, he dared. That was his trademark and a rare quality. He’s instinctive.”