Leeds United are unlikely to make an enormity of signings in January but the chances are that most of the business is done in players leaving Elland Road – and here are 10 that could go on loan.
Leeds made a huge number of additions in the summer and it has left the club with a very solid base of 20 senior players – and plenty of young stars ready for senior football, but unable to break into the side.
Alongside that, there are some players with senior football already under their belt that need to depart to continue their development or are simply interesting other clubs. Here is a list of 10 possible exits:
Kris Klaesson
As our third-choice goalkeeper and only managing one senior outing since he joined us, Klaesson needs to go on loan to get game time. Leeds also boast Dani van den Heuvel, who can step up as third choice.
Diogo Monteiro
Monteiro joined in January from Servette having broken into the Swiss side’s first team. Playing for the U21’s is not going to further his development. The Portuguese star needs to go and get some minutes.
Charlie Cresswell
Leeds would surely prefer Cresswell sticks around but given he signed a new deal in the summer and will have expected to play – his lack of game time will be a frustrating one. Clubs will be keen on him.
Junior Firpo
Firpo is an intriguing one. He made it clear he chose to stay at Leeds in the summer despite offers. But, with Sam Byram starring and Foot Mercato saying his old side Betis are keen on a loan, he may exit.
Leo Hjelde
The Norwegian was a target for Serie A side Salernitana in the summer. Hooked in our first League game of the season, he is yet to play again – other than the Carabao Cup. Surely, Hjelde will be keen to leave.
Lew Bate
Described as a “magician” by Karl Robinson, Bate returned to Leeds in the summer after impressing on loan at Oxford United. He is back in the 21’s, a step back for Bate. He needs a Championship loan spell.
Darko Gyabi
Gyabi had late interest from Fleetwood and Valenciennes in the summer but chose to remain. He will surely be regretting that. The £5m man has not been a part of the squad for the last 12 league games.
Sean McGurk
McGurk has been on fire for the 21’s but a route into the senior side looks blocked. He has eclipsed the Under-21 level and now needs to embark on the next step of his career. A loan to a League One side.
Mateo Joseph
Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt sit ahead of Joseph in the striker pecking order. Joseph needs a loan if he is to build on the impressive start he has made with Leeds and England.
Joe Gelhardt
Gelhardt, like Cresswell, will be a tricky one for Leeds. We would rather he stays to provide cover but for Gelhardt, another loan – perhaps, back to a club like Sunderland – would really suit the exciting striker.
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