The January transfer window is on the horizon and while Leeds United are not expected to be particularly busy, a couple of sales could force Daniel Farke’s men into the transfer window.
Leeds have been linked with many new signings of their own ahead of the winter window. Farke says he expects a quiet January, but after signing only one player last January, he may feel more depth is needed.
Indeed, that lack of incoming allowed Ipswich to secure a place in the top two with the Tractor Boys using the January window to their advantage. If Leeds are to buy though, it might be because others are going.
Here are six Leeds United players linked with the exit door:
Illan Meslier – Rennes
While Meslier has critics at Leeds, his reputation in France is still very high with many still recalling his exploits in the Premier League. Rennes are keen to bring in a long-term replacement for Steve Mandanda.
Meslier and Walter Benitez are linked with Rennes, while Glen Kamara’s side are willing to pay £15m to sign Meslier. The chances of Daniel Farke letting Meslier leave in the middle of the season, seems unlikely.
Joe Gelhardt – Stoke, QPR, Preston, Plymouth, Rangers
Gelhardt has been afforded just three games and one start this season and understandably, Gelhardt wants to leave Leeds in January. A whole host of Championship clubs want to sign the Leeds striker.
Scottish giants Rangers are also keen on a move for Gelhardt, while QPR are keen but cannot afford to sign Gelhardt. But a move looks inevitable for Leeds’ fourth-choice striker before the deadline in January.
Junior Firpo – Besiktas
Firpo’s long-term future at Leeds is in doubt. The left-back is out of contract at the end of the season and Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Firpo is waiting to see what league Leeds are in next term.
But his Premier League form at Leeds is not good and Leeds may decide against a new deal even if they are promoted. Besiktas want to replace Arthur Masuaku in January and Firpo is high on their shortlist.
Max Wober – Salzburg, Wolves
Salzburg director Rouven Schroder says Salzburg could try a “clever loan” for Wober given they are unable to afford to re-sign the Austria international on a permanent basis. Wolves are also being linked.
Prior to sacking Gary O’Neil, reports said Wolves could sign Wober in January. But Salzburg’s interest is much more genuine especially because of the Red Bull connection between the two clubs right now.
Pascal Struijk – Tottenham
Struijk has played every single minute of Leeds’ 21 Championship games, captaining Leeds from the off in the last 14 games with Ethan Ampadu either injured or only on the bench for manager Farke’s Leeds side.
But his form will not go unnoticed and failure to go up could see Struijk consider a move. Bailey has also told LeedsUnited.News that Tottenham are keeping tabs on Struijk ahead of a potential winter move.
Patrick Bamford – Wrexham and Genoa
Yet to start a Championship game, Bamford has been linked with a move to Wrexham and Serie A side Genoa. Leeds are preparing for a possible exit, by targeting duo Dor Turgeman and Louie Barry.
It is said that Wrexham may struggle to afford his £40k-a-week wages, while mid-table Serie A side Genoa are keen to bolster their options up top despite Patrick Vieira bringing in Mario Balotelli on a free.
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