Daniel Wales takes a look at Leeds United’s new forward, Lukas Nmecha, and looks along with Lee Sobot, at what he can bring to the side in the Premier League.
00:00Now, Leeds United have completed their first acquisition of the Sauer transfer window ahead of the club's return to the Premier League in 2025 to 2026.
00:10Lucas Nemecha will join Leeds on the 1st of July following the expiration of his contract in Germany.
00:17So, what is he like as a player and what will he bring to Leeds United?
00:22Well, in his first interview he made very clear that he is looking forward to joining up with everyone else at Elland Road.
00:30Yeah, I'm really excited, happy. Yeah, I just can't wait to get going.
00:35Why do you feel that this is the right place for you in your career?
00:39Well, I've got some people that have been here like Josh who I've played with who told me about the atmosphere, the fans and obviously I've played against Leeds in the Championship and it's a massive club.
00:49And, you know, it's the next challenge. Can't wait to play in the Premier League with the team and do well.
00:56Yeah, tell me about that conversation with Josh Guilavoge, because he's a big fan's favourite here.
01:00So, did he have to sell the club much?
01:03Well, I trust Josh. He's like one of probably the nicest guys in football that I know.
01:08So, yeah, he said it's a massive club. If I get the opportunity, I should definitely do it.
01:13And he said, yeah, the fans are crazy and the boys are good as well.
01:18So, yeah, he gave a really good first impression.
01:22And not only the size, you know, stature of this football club, but you come at a time where there's huge amounts of positivity and optimism around the place.
01:29Was that a factor too?
01:30Yeah, definitely. I think it's just a great challenge. I'm really excited to get to know the team.
01:36I've spoken with the manager many times and I'm excited to play that style of football that they played in the Champ, even in the Prem.
01:43And the Premier League is where every player wants to be, isn't it?
01:46Yeah, yeah. I had a few minute appearances when I was back in my City days, but I'm excited to really put my foot down and show what I can do.
01:57The manager also revealed that he is a versatile forward, but ultimately he will look to score goals when on the pitch.
02:05Yeah, I'm a striker, but I'm quite variable in where I can play.
02:09But definitely a link-up type of player. I like to make runs in behind and most importantly, I love scoring goals.
02:16Yeah, and getting yourself back playing against regularly, you've not come here to make up the numbers.
02:21Like every player who joins a club, you want to come in and make a big impact?
02:24Yeah, of course. I mean, I think every player comes in wanting to do their thing, but I'm definitely dedicated and working hard, ready for the start of the season.
02:35And how excited are you now for that next step then? I suppose it's pre-season, most players kind of, you know, can't wait for just getting going against.
02:43How excited are you to meet with the new players?
02:44Yeah, definitely. I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that, but I can't wait to start training.
02:54Let's go now then to Lee Sowett of the Yorkshire Evening Post. Lee, what are your thoughts on the Mets' arrival at Elland Road?
03:01And also, how important is that Leeds continue to bring in further early additions to the squad?
03:06Yeah, no, definitely. Yeah, that's also key to get players in early, but equally, so too is not to panic, you know, and sort of like just go out and buy people just for the sake of getting people in.
03:14But he's a fascinating signing, Lucas Metscher, because it'd be really interesting to see how he does, because, you know, speaking to fans and other people in football and stuff, you know, support other teams, like such as Borough, like, I mean, a lot of them sort of, you know, think that it's a bit of an underwhelming signing, really.
03:28But then on the other side of it, you can look at it and sort of think, well, actually, it might be a really shrewd piece of business if he all clicks into gear for him, because I was doing a piece on him where I was going through, you know, what past managers have said about him, i.e., you know, both at City, obviously, Pep Guardiola, but also the managers he's had on loan, and a lot of them spoke very, very highly of him.
03:46Vincent Kompany said something along the lines that there's no doubt he'll go on to be a top player for one of the top sides, you know, or something along those lines.
03:52So, I think he's definitely very, very highly thought of. People look at his Wolfsburg record since he's gone there not being great.
03:58I think it was at 19 goals in 85 games, which isn't brilliant, obviously, in three seasons.
04:02But then again, you know, he has problems with injuries of late and stuff.
04:06I don't think it's anything serious. It's one of those things where he's just had a couple of injuries and stuff, and he's done his first interview already this summer, and it looks like he's raring to go.
04:14And you've got to remember, this is a guy who's got seven caps for Germany.
04:16I mean, as Daniel Farka says himself in all of his presses, he always talks about Bamford and says he didn't win that in the lottery.
04:22You know, and that applies the same there, doesn't it? You know, don't get seven caps for Germany for nothing.
04:27Clearly, then, Leeds rate Nemeche very highly and have sought after him for some time and have been able to bring him into Elland Road.
04:34Leeds, of course, will need more additions during this transfer.
04:38We know to make sure their squad is bolstered enough ahead of the new Premier League season to aid their chances of survival.
