The January transfer window could make all the difference as Leeds United look to get themselves promoted out of the Championship at the first time of asking.
Daniel Farke’s side have a lineup which can compete with anyone in the division. But there are a couple of areas within the squad which may need a bit of strengthening next month to boost our chances of getting across the line.
Judging by comments Farke made this week, one of those positions is left-back.
Sam Byram has perhaps been the best in the division in that position this season. However, it has so far been another difficult campaign for Junior Firpo. And Firpo is now facing a number of weeks on the sidelines due to injury.
At this stage, it looks to be best for all concerned for Leeds and Firpo to part ways in January. The 27-year-old has just been unable to make his time at Elland Road a success following his £13 million move. Reports have suggested that Leeds are ready to sell Firpo in January.
Leeds should at least look into Gjanni Alioski loan in January
Now, it must be said that Leeds will have options on their radar if they are considering letting Firpo go. And the idea of suggesting that a former player returns does not always sit right with supporters.
But as a backup, perhaps Leeds should consider turning to a cult-hero to see if he would be interested in coming in for the rest of the campaign.
Gjanni Alioski quietly – by his standards – left the club in 2021. Unlike Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez, the North Macedonia international did not announce his decision to leave ahead of the final game of the season. So there was still a question mark over his future when the final whistle blew as Leeds beat West Brom 3-1.
But Alioski did leave, ultimately signing for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. He made 30 appearances in his first year with the club, before joining Fenerbahce on loan last year.
Unfortunately, since his return, he has only played a handful of games. He was not registered for Al-Ahli’s squad after they signed a host of players from European clubs over the summer.
So you would think that Al-Ahli would welcome the chance to offload the 31-year-old in January. And perhaps Leeds should look at whether a loan move is feasible.
A decent backup option for the rest of the season
Obviously, there are plenty of reasons which may put supporters off the idea of bringing Alioski back. He has barely played over the last few months. And he was someone who was hardly flawless as a defender before his departure.
But all bets now seem to be off with Sam Byram completely shutting all of us up with his performances this season. And Alioski can also play in a number of other roles which may help bolster Farke’s ranks.
With that, Alioski could actually prove to be a very shrewd signing as cover for Byram for the remaining months of the season.
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