Leeds United transfer targets will be the big topic of discussion with the January transfer window now open. Leeds United News writers have predicted how Daniel Farke will approach the market amid the need for a left-back and importance of retaining key players.
Leeds have a few fringe players who face potentially uncertain futures amid their lack of game time, with loan interest having already been speculated. Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt and Ian Poveda have all been linked with moves away due to their lack of game time.
In terms of incomings, Farke has already suggested that it will be a quiet month following a summer transfer window that saw nine players come in to replace 18 who departed. But with automatic promotion the aim, it would be crazy to rule out improving the squad, particularly given the form of the top two.
Leeds United News predicts the Whites’ January transfer window
Due to the injury problems of Sam Byram and Junior Firpo, Farke has already confirmed that Leeds are set to enter the market for a left-back. Byram has managed to stay fit for much of the season, but has picked up a couple of niggling muscle injuries as of late, which prove he cannot always be relied on. Firpo, meanwhile, has missed the majority of the season.
There haven’t been too many links at this stage as to who Leeds may go for, though Club Brugge’s Archie Brown is a name that has been mentioned. However, given that he has already played for two clubs this campaign, he would not be able to play for Leeds until next season.
A new number 10 could also be on the agenda for Leeds having missed out on Nadiem Amiri in the summer, before then opting against bringing in an alternative. Ilias Chair was a target in the summer, while Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu has been linked in recent weeks, though manager Okan Buruk has seemingly ruled out a January exit for him.
With that in mind, there is a fair bit of activity that could still take place at Elland Road, even if it won’t be anywhere near as chaotic as the summer. Here is how the Leeds United News writers predict the club’s January transfer plans to unfold…
Danny Bloomer
Danny Bloomer predicts that Leeds United will strengthen at left-back and attacking midfield this month, while key players like Crysencio Summerville will be retained, as they aim to catch the top two.
Aside from last year – where it was a case of signing the wrong players at the wrong time – Leeds have often overlooked the January transfer window, but that is something they cannot afford to do this year.
Byram has been brilliant at left-back this season but has been unable to manage his minutes this season due to Firpo’s persistent injury troubles, and that cannot afford to be the case in the second half of the campaign.
With Real Betis having been heavily linked, Firpo could even move on himself this month, which would probably be best for all parties. Even if he doesn’t though, a new left-back needs signing and Farke has recognised this.
Attacking midfield is also a current area of weakness, as Leeds do not have a natural creative replacement off the bench when Georginio Rutter is perhaps not firing on all cylinders. A loan would certainly make sense in this situation, with Angus Kinnear having already admitted they have left two slots open for this reason.
Other positions may also need looking at if fringe players move on, but Farke has already reportedly made it clear he wants everyone to stay. There is no chance key players like Crysencio Summerville are sold at the midway point of the season, either.
Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris predicts that keeping hold of key players is what Leeds will prioritise over the next few weeks, but would also like to see Joe Rodon signed permanently, on top of a new left-back.
In terms of incomings, it looks set to be a very quiet window for Farke. And the priority may well be keeping the likes of Summerville and Willy Gnonto at the club.
There does not appear to be too much noise surrounding any of our other key players, which suggests that this window is going to be nowhere near as dramatic or eventful as the summer.
Ideally, a new left-back would come in amid doubts over the future of Firpo. Byram’s recent injury unfortunately reminded us that it is a gamble to rely on the 31-year-old to stay fit.
One deal which would be brilliant to see would be a permanent move for Joe Rodon. Rodon has been outstanding for Leeds since his arrival from Tottenham in the summer.
And if there is a chance that Spurs would be willing to sell him next month, and we have money to spend, then it makes a lot of sense to make that move. Otherwise, we risk being left in a similar situation to when we just could not get a deal for Ben White done.
Will Butcher
Will Butcher is expecting Leeds to focus on the loan market this month – both in terms of incomings and outgoings – with left-back and the retention of key men the biggest priorities.
I can’t see Leeds spending big in January, unless a key player is sold. Indeed, we are hardly in need of many signings. The only areas the club really need additions in, are at left-back and in the 10 role. We tried to sign Kenny McLean, Matt O’Riley and Amiri in the summer. Joel Piroe’s form has been up and down.
Behind Piroe, there aren’t many options in attacking midfield. Gelhardt – but he is hardly a starting option. Summerville is best from out wide.
At left-back, Leeds do need a signing. Byram and Firpo have both been in the treatment room in the last few weeks and it highlights the need for another body in that area. Unless, Farke feels Djed Spence is good enough in that role – with Spence unlikely to replace Archie Gray any time soon.
But in terms of incomings, surely it is only going to be one or two loan additions – at left-back and perhaps a no.10 – new signings will only be made if a player goes.
So, outgoings? Well, Summerville, Rutter, Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk and more all earned admirers in the summer. Apart from Gnonto, they are all impressing this season. It is easily imagined that clubs could come in for them – but surely, Leeds would rather keep them.
Other than that, then, Leeds fans can expect loan exits – Gelhardt, Cresswell, Poveda, Darko Gyabi, Mateo Joseph, Lew Bate and others could be given the chance to get some game time.
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