Leeds United are yet to make significant movements in the January window despite losing both Luke Ayling and Djed Spence – with Daniel Farke making it clear he would like some reinforcements.
After Leeds sustained injuries to both Dan James and Archie Gray on Wednesday night, the squad is starting to look a little threadbare. Farke admitted after the 1-0 win that squad is on the “small” side.
In a clear message to the board to bring in some new signings, Farke highlighted that January is “busy”. Leeds are expected to bring in some defenders and perhaps, even another attacker before the deadline.
Leeds are interested in a deal for Everton’s Ben Godfrey, while a bid for Charlie Taylor is not completely off the cards. Bournemouth’s David Brooks may also be targeted towards the end of the current window.
But there could be some that go, too. Charlie Cresswell’s situation is unresolved. LeedsUnited.News exclusively spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey, who also discussed Willy Gnonto’s new Leeds deal.
Willy Gnonto’s new Leeds United contract agreed in principle
Reports emerged recently that Gnonto is close to a new deal. Bailey says a deal has been agreed in principle: “It’s my understanding he has agreed it in principle. He’s obviously not heading out this month. He’s not pushing for an exit. There are options, a few Italian teams – he’s obviously never played in Italy.
“Is he going to play in Italy? Arguably, as much as Leeds at the moment. A strange situation with Gnonto, obviously he’s backing himself. He’s relatively happy at the club and I understand it will be a decent wage rise, he’s staying. He’s probably only adding a year on, with his current deal ending in 2027.”
A move for Tottenham star Ben Davies, out of the question?
It came as a surprise to hear that Tottenham’s Davies is also linked – but a move is a very ambitious one. Bailey says: I don’t see it myself. But it is like a lot of these deals, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
“We know Davies is dropping down the pecking order with [Radu] Dragusin coming in. [Joe] Rodon’s people probably know Davies. Davies is probably better than [Pascal] Struijk – but not by a million miles. But I think the right-hand side is more of a need for Leeds. Farke will want quality over quantity.”
Charlie Cresswell’s future could depend on incoming signings
Farke recently suggested Cresswell will have to change his attitude to stand any chance of playing under him. He has been linked with a number of clubs, such as Millwall – who made two big offers.
Bailey told us, on Cresswell: “If you get a [Ben} Godfrey, or Davies, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him go. Even if Leeds didn’t [sign someone, he could go], there are quite a few interested parties out there.”
Five players out of contract, what happens if promoted?
Leeds have a number of players out of contract. Liam Cooper, Sam Byram, Ian Poveda, Stuart Dallas and Jamie Shackleton all currently reside at Leeds – but only until the summer. Bailey gave an update.
“It’s one of them where the status will dictate whether Leeds keep them. If you get promoted, you will not keep any of those. If you stay down, could you see Cooper and Byram get another year – possibly.”
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