Ask most Leeds United fans what position requires strengthening most in the January transfer window and the majority will say a no.10 is required, to provide competition for Brenden Aaronson.
The United States international is excellent in transition. Stuart Dallas says Aaronson is one of the best in transition in the Leeds squad, but he has failed to provide the end product needed on a consistent basis.
Despite that, he remains Leeds’ second top-goalscorer with seven and has also laid on two assists. But Leeds lack a consistent 10 and behind Aaronson, The Whites have no other natural attacking midfielder.
Leeds have been linked with plenty of options. Aston Villa’s Emi Buendia continues to be linked with Graeme Bailey telling LeedsUnited.News that Leeds are interested in reuniting Buendia with Daniel Farke.
Leeds United miss a trick as Ipswich strike deal to Brighton star
Others have been linked, like Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer while Leeds are also said to be after Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna. But with less than two weeks in the window to go, it appears Leeds are no closer.
Meanwhile, Ipswich have struck a deal to raid Georginio Rutter’s Brighton and sign Paraguay star Julio Enciso on loan until the summer. Rutter’s addition at Brighton has pushed Enciso down the pecking order.
A player that Roberto De Zerbi was quoted by the MEN as saying has “big, big potential”. He has now off to Ipswich, but surely Leeds should have tried to convince the Paraguay star to consider Elland Road.
Julio Enciso would have been next-best after Emi Buenda signing
With Buendia starting in the Champions League and putting on a decent show for Aston Villa in their 1-0 loss to Monaco on Tuesday night, Unai Emery may now consider integrating Buendia more regularly.
It is unclear if Leeds have any chance of signing Buendia before the deadline but starting him against Monaco suggests Villa still have some use for him. Next-best, would have been a move for Enciso.
A player with similar South American flair and the ability to score goals from long range. Leeds face teams that park the bus and need a bit of magic from time to time and Enciso’s goals prove he can provide that.
His strike against Manchester City for example, was from the best part of 25 yards. The lure of the Premier League is likely to have tempted Enciso but Leeds have missed a trick in not going after the playmaker.
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