The January transfer window opens in little over 24 hours, and while player after player continues to be linked with Leeds United, some Elland Road stars could leave.
Daniel Farke has a close-knit squad at Elland Road. It is one of the qualities Farke shares with Marcelo Bielsa, preferring to have a smaller squad to reduce the chance of disharmony growing in the squad.
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Despite that, there have been a few players linked with the exit door ahead of the January window. Not least, because four current first-teamers find themselves out of contract at the end of the 25-26 season.
Goalkeepers Illan Meslier, Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns are all in the final year of their deals, as is defender Sam Byram. But fringe players Joel Piroe, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and others have been touted with exits.
Daniel Farke discusses if any players could leave Leeds in January
Farke’s dislike of the January window has been repeated time after time by the German. The Leeds boss feels it is an overpriced market, and any incoming signings will find it a lot harder to get up to speed.
But a change in formation has highlighted the lack of options up top and at centre-back. Especially with Joe Rodon injured and Lukas Nmecha recently sidelined. In terms of sales, Farke wants to keep his players.
“I speak with my players, each and every day. We are in close conversations. I have no plans to give any of my players away; we have a tight group. I want a tight group, I don’t believe in working with a big group.
“It’s never beneficial for unity or spirit. Everyone is needed. I need all of my players. Nearly all of our players have started games. I back my players. We need this group. It’s the other way round,” he said.
“Perhaps, we can improve our group. There is nothing close for any of the first-team players. If there is a younger player, a loan makes sense, but nothing from the first-team group,” the Leeds manager added.
If we get offered £10m or more for Gnonto we have to sell, right? 🇮🇹
That money can be used on someone better suited to the 3-5-2 formation… 💰
Reports from Spain say Valencia have opened Jack Harrison talks
The timing of the question on Tuesday was interesting, within 24 hours of reports from Spain suggesting that Carlos Corberan’s Valencia had opened talks to sign Jack Harrison, despite boasting Largie Ramazani.
Interestingly, a handful of Farke’s players have been linked with the exit door. Numerous sides have been linked with Meslier amid his contract situation. Meslier is supposedly keen on a move to join Celtic.
Joel Piroe is happy to stay put but his future is under the microscope, while German side Koln are keeping tabs on Sebastiaan Bornauw. There is every chance that one or two leave the club in the next few weeks.
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