It is quite clear which positions Leeds United now need to strengthen in the January transfer window, after Daniel Farke’s switch to a 3-5-2 in recent weeks.
When using a back four, Leeds are well-stocked in most positions such is the work done by Daniel Farke and Adam Underwood in the summer window. Every position has two or more players to pick from.
But when three centre-backs are thrown together, and two strikers, suddenly Leeds are light. Injuries promote problems. Without Joe Rodon, who came off against Sunderland, Leeds look light in defence.
Could Ruben Vargas be the missing piece in Leeds’ jigsaw? 🔥
He's been excellent in Spain…
Farke’s decision to switch to a 4-3-3 after Rodon’s injury shows he doesn’t trust throwing Sebastiaan Bornauw into the side. A new centre-back is key, as is a striker, with cover required in the final third.
But Leeds still miss that player capable of creating something out of nothing. Willy Gnonto can do it from out wide, but Leeds miss that Harry Wilson-type player able to conjure up a goal from out of nowhere.
Leeds face worrying Ruben Vargas competition in January
It emerged last week that Leeds want to sign Sevilla’s Swiss star Ruben Vargas. A player that Noah Okafor knows well, Vargas has had a hand in seven La Liga goals for Sevilla this season, during just 12 outings.
It is claimed that Leeds could get Vargas for just £9m, a bargain fee for a player of his quality. Signing the Sevilla star for such a small fee has the potential to be one of Farke’s best-ever deals since joining in 2023.
Now, Spanish site ABC claim that Leeds are not the only Premier League club interested in signing Vargas at the moment. Indeed, Leeds, Sunderland, and Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth have all made enquiries.
Ruben Vargas is the perfect alternative for Harry Wilson – Discuss 🗣️
£9m is such a bargain
Sevilla’s stance on selling Ruben Vargas in January window
It is claimed that in the summer, Sevilla had to pick either Vargas or Dodi Lukebakio. Ultimately, Sevilla chose to sell the latter with the Belgian’s move to Benfica for a whole lot more than Vargas would have.
Now, selling Vargas is not a priority for Sevilla, but if the price is right they will cash in on the former Augsburg man. Sevilla rated Vargas at a fee of £13m in the summer, but understand he would cost less.
Premier League clubs believe a deal can be done for below £10m, and that would make him a bargain. A player who would be able to operate in either formation and give Leeds a bit more creativity in attack.
Any lingering hope or dreams that Leeds could sign Harry Wilson are over. But bringing in Vargas over the Welshman is the next-best thing. Leeds have got to take advantage of Sevilla and bring Vargas in.
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