Leeds United made eight signings in the summer but plenty of others were linked with a move to Elland Road and a 33-year-old free agent on the shortlist would now solve many issues.
The last fortnight has been a constant source of frustration for fans and manager Daniel Farke. Ethan Ampadu was ruled out until the new year and then typically, Ilia Gruev picked up a long-term injury.
The Bulgaria star limped off against Norwich and has since undergone surgery, and will be sidelined for a number of months. It leaves Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell as the club’s only senior options in midfield.
Leeds need more options in midfield and that could be supplied by either Max Wober or Pascal Struijk. Both defenders can play in central midfield, but Wober has also undergone surgery on a knee injury.
With Wober out, there is a lack of cover at centre-back and it means that Struijk cannot be pushed into the middle of the park. So, while Leeds need a midfielder, signing a defender could help just as much.
Leeds wanted free agent Michael Lang in the summer
Lang, 33, remains without a club following the close of the transfer window after the termination of his Basel contract. A Switzerland international that has been a regular in the Champions League.
He’s played for Farke’s old side Gladbach and has won the Swiss Super League on two occasions. Leeds expressed interest in signing Lang in the summer, and is now two months without a new club.
Signing the versatile defender, who can cover at full-back, would allow Struijk to push into midfield if he is fit and ready to go. Perhaps then, given he is a player on Leeds’ shortlist, Lang could be targeted again.
The Leeds youngsters that can come and fill in at Elland Road
James Debayo, Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers were all on the bench against Norwich and then The Black Cats on Friday night. The trio were among the six young Leeds players Farke took to Germany.
Debayo looked particularly impressive, albeit at full-back. Perhaps giving him a go in defence would allow Farke to use Struijk in midfield if required, or handing Wales star Crew a start if required in midfield.
Right now, Leeds are coping. They have Joe Rodon and Struijk in defence and Tanaka and Joe Rothwell in midfield. But in both positions, they lack senior cover and it might be that Farke has to make a decision.
Rodon and Tanaka will play for the countries during the break. So, if there is an injury, Farke will have to choose whether to sign a free agent of bring in a youngster like Crew or Debayo in the next few weeks.
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