Leeds United are already being linked with potential January transfers but it already appears as though one can be ruled out.
Preparations among Leeds recruitment staff will already be well underway ahead of the window opening, and a big month could be required to get promotion over the line.
Leeds fell just short of a return to the Premier League last season and the tail off of their form could be partly attributed to their lack of January activity, with Connor Roberts the only signing.
Due to the amount of long-term injuries Leeds have already had to deal with this season, it would be naïve for them to dismiss January for a second successive season.
Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev remain on the long road to recovery, while Dan James, Max Wober, Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani have also had sustained periods on the sidelines.
Graeme Bailey shares Lewis O’Brien to Leeds update
This time last month, Leeds were still looking at the potential of signing a free agent midfielder to cope with the loss of Ampadu and Gruev.
After links to the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Josuhua Guilavogui was eventually the chosen one, with his Leeds debut arriving on Saturday against Plymouth.
Thanks to his arrival, Leeds are now pretty well-stocked in midfield, but that hasn’t stopped them being linked with a move for former Victor Orta target Lewis O’Brien.
O’Brien is currently on loan at LAFC from Nottingham Forest, though his season is in danger of coming to an end this weekend. LA trail Vancouver 4-2 ahead of the final match of their play-off trilogy.
Amid the likelihood of that scenario playing out, Graeme Bailey has shared an exclusive update to LeedsUnited.News on the prospect of O’Brien joining Leeds.
He suggests a deal is unlikely due to how much O’Brien has enjoyed his time in USA, as well as the quality in Farke’s midfield at the moment.
He said: “He’s done well in America. He’s enjoying there and he’s likely to stay there. I think if he was available on loan until the end of the season with a view, it would be something that Leeds might look at, but as it stands now, I personally don’t see him being an improvement on what they’ve got.
“Tanaka’s really come into his own. Rothwell’s been playing in there, he’s a very good player. They’re hoping Gruev and Ampadu will be back before easter the pair of them. O’Brien has a Premier League contract as well. I just don’t think he ticks an awful lot of boxes.
“They’ll assess the loan market, see who’s available. They’ll be names that haven’t been linked before that come available from various Premier League clubs. I think they’re happy with Tanaka, they’ve got Josuha Guilavogui as cover.
“I think in terms of January, I don’t think O’Brien is a marked improvement on what they’ve got, so I’m not sure that they’re desperate for that, especially on the wages he’s on. He wouldn’t represent a bargain deal. I think those two boats have passed in the night, so to speak.”
Where do Leeds need to strengthen in January?
There are only two positions Leeds should really be looking at in January, both of which are in attack.
Farke was disappointed Leeds didn’t sign another number 10 in the summer, and it would be wise to revisit that position to provide competition for Brenden Aaronson.
Another striker also wouldn’t go amiss, as neither Joel Piroe or Mateo Joseph have really nailed down the starting spot this season.
Leeds could sell one of Piroe or Patrick Bamford to make space for the signing of another number nine.
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