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“Daniel Farke’s Shocking Verdict on Adam Armstrong as Leeds United Close in on Southampton Star
If you can’t beat them, Leeds United, then why not sign them?
Southampton not only secured the double over Daniel Farke’s team in the 2024/25 Championship season, but they also delivered a devastating blow to West Yorkshire hearts in the play-off final at Wembley.
It wasn’t just a “double,” it was a “triple”—one of those rare instances where a team loses to the same opponent three times in a single season.
Leeds fans must have grown tired of the sight of Adam Armstrong.
After scoring twice in Southampton’s 3-1 victory over Leeds in their home game on matchday nine, Armstrong then opened the scoring at Elland Road, helping the Saints win again in the final league match of the season.
But the worst— or best, depending on which side you’re on—was yet to come. In the play-off final, as Farke’s defense floundered with their offside trap, Armstrong latched onto a clever pass from Will Smallbone and drove a match-winning goal past Illan Meslier, breaking Leeds’ hearts like a dagger.
Daniel Farke described Adam Armstrong as ‘clinical’ after Leeds’ loss to Southampton, and rightly so. Not only did Armstrong score his fifth goal and secure his third win against Leeds in the 2023/24 season, but he also ensured Southampton’s return to the Premier League at Leeds’ expense.
Farke reflected on the final, noting how the game might have turned out differently if Leeds had a striker with Armstrong’s experience and instincts. “When you look at how young my team is in the offensive positions, and then a player like Armstrong who knows this league… he took his one chance and was clinical. That was the difference.”
Armstrong has consistently been ‘the difference’ in Championship matches. Over the last three seasons, playing for both Blackburn Rovers and Southampton, the Newcastle academy product has netted 65 goals—an average of nearly 22 per season.
Leeds now turn their attention to Armstrong after Southampton rejected their bid for Cameron Archer. Although Armstrong wasn’t the striker Farke initially targeted, he is one of the most reliable Championship goal-scorers and could be the missing piece Leeds need to push them to the top.
Football correspondent Graeme Bailey reported exclusively to LeedsUnited.News that Leeds have entered the race for Armstrong, alongside Middlesbrough and Sunderland. Farke, who previously called Armstrong “top quality” during his time at Norwich, knows what the striker can offer.
A loan deal is being considered, which should appeal to Leeds. Armstrong’s Premier League form hasn’t matched his Championship success, and Leeds would prefer not to commit to a permanent deal for a striker who has yet to prove himself in the top flight.
If Leeds can secure a short-term deal before the transfer deadline, adding a 20-goal-a-season striker to their already powerful attack would bring Farke closer to erasing the painful memories of 2024.
