Former Southampton star urges club to sign wantaway Leeds striker | Daily Echo

Nmecha, 27, is a seven-cap Germany international who moved to Elland Road from Wolfsburg on a free transfer with a two-year deal in June 2025.

The six-foot one-inch forward has only bagged six goals in 41 Premier League appearances, but his size and physicality bolster his all-round game.

The number nine position has become a major talking point at Saints amid Cyle Larin's fitness concerns, and a perceived lack of depth behind him.

Lewis Dobbin has filled in, while Man City loanee Divin Mubama started the 1-1 draw at West Brom, but Phillips reckons Saints need one more.

"I think Nmecha would bring quality to the team. We know he can score goals. I think he just needs a run in a side," Phillips said in his new blog.

Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha is available for transfer (Image: PA)

"Would he get that at Southampton when Larin’s fit? Possibly not. But when Larin’s missing, as he has been, it’s over to other players.

"I think they started with Mubama up top last night, so it’s certainly an area that the manager will be looking at in January, for sure.

"Nmecha’s been linked with many big clubs. If Southampton secure his services, I think with him and Larin you’ve got two really top-quality strikers.

"They could hurt any defence. It's definitely an area they’re going to look at."

Nmecha was loosely linked to interest from St Mary's in unverified reports elsewhere last month, although a Bundesliga move has been mooted.

Saints sporting director Johannes Spors has said he is happy with the squad, but that he is assessing available striker options as a matter of course.