By the time the January transfer window opens, Leeds United’s squad will have increased by one and that is because a midfielder will be returning earlier than planned.
Leeds are expected to be busy in the winter window with the potential of one or two signings coming through the door, even if the dark shadow of PSR looms over Elland Road at this current moment in time.
Should Leeds force Meslier out in order to obtain a fee in January? 💰
Daniel Farke wants to keep the Frenchman around, but the 49ers may disagree… 🤔
There could also be a few exits. Joel Piroe is happy to remain at Leeds despite his lack of game time but could always depart if pushed, while Illan Meslier is open to joining Celtic. There will be some departures.
But interestingly, one player will return to Elland Road after initially agreeing a season-long loan in the summer. Charlie Crew had spent the second half of last season on loan at neighbours Doncaster Rovers.
Grant McCann in brutal Charlie Crew verdict as loan cancelled
The two-time Wales star played a small role in Doncaster’s promotion last season and manager McCann opted to sign him on loan again, this time in League One and for the entire 2025-26 campaign.
However, Crew only managed another 11 outings and just 632 minutes of action. McCann believes three international breaks hampered Crew’s rhythm, blasting Crew on Doncaster’s website for his overall form.
“Charlie has been stop-start and the international breaks haven’t helped him, going away two or three times. He probably hasn’t got to the levels that I thought he would do and that he showed last year.”
Do Leeds even NEED signings after enjoying success with a 3-5-2 formation?
What next for Charlie Crew with Leeds inclusion very unlikely
Luckily for Crew, as he returns to Elland Road, is that he has only played for one club this season. There wasn’t a rogue substitute outing against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, made by the talent.
FIFA dictates a player can only play for two club sides in a season. It means that if Christantus Uche’s loan at Crystal Palace were to be cancelled, he couldn’t play for Leeds because he’s turned out for Getafe.
But Crew can now return to Leeds and scour the market for more loan options ahead of the second half of the season. Whether that’s something he wants to do remains to be seen, but he needs to, ultimately.
To continue to prove he has what it takes, and to get back on the horse having fallen off. Crew is a super talent, and caps for Wales already prove he is highly rated. Now it is time to turn potential into quality.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
