Everything you need to know about the 2026 January transfer window, which could be vital for Leeds United.
Though a poor end soured things, Leeds United enjoyed a strong summer transfer window that saw Daniel Farke bring in 10 new players.
Leeds spent over £100m as they strengthened in key areas, particularly adding experience and physicality to the squad to cope with the strain of the Premier League.
Yet, the disastrous deadline day remains hard to look past, especially when Leeds ended up spending less than Sunderland and Burnley, their fellow promoted sides.
Farke had said multiple times he needed more attacking prowess, or else his team would not have enough firepower to stay up.
But, after a move for Facundo Buonanotte was hijacked by Chelsea, options were low going into deadline day. Fulham’s Harry Wilson emerged as a last resort, but even that fell through and Leeds were left empty-handed.
With injuries already mounting, forward options are looking light and Leeds may well need to strengthen again in January to have a hope of Premier League survival.
Here’s what you need to know about the window.
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When does the January transfer window open?
Unsurprisingly, given its name, the January transfer window opens at the dawn of 2026, on Thursday, January 1.
Though rarely an optimal market to be operating in due to inflated prices, the January transfer window can give clubs a much-needed boost by allowing the chance to strengthen halfway through the season.
After Leeds failed to sign a playmaker in the summer, they may look to bring one in, even if just on loan, in January.
When does the January transfer window 2026 close?
Despite its title, the January transfer window in 2026 won’t actually close until February.
January transfer deadline day falls on Monday, February 2, 2026, with the window closing at 7pm.
That’s because January 31 falls on a weekend in 2026.
How much can Leeds United spend in the January transfer window?
Given Leeds had agreed to pay a fee for Wilson on deadline day before Fulham pulled the plug on the deal, there must be some budget left in the coffers for the club to spend in January.
However, given Wilson is 28 and into the final year of his deal, it wouldn’t have been a massive sum and talk coming out of the club doesn’t suggest there will be much funding available in the new year.
Speaking in the aftermath of deadline day, managing director Robbie Evans told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Leeds ‘spent everything we could’ in the summer, and that the club are ‘maxing PSR out this season.’
In addition, Evans didn’t sound optimistic about any signings in January, even if money is available. He said: “I think whether it’s in the window or it’s free agent market only, or it’s January, it’s all about what does the team actually need?
“What is the opportunity cost, as far as the buy you can’t make later on, or the sale you might have to make out of your current roster?
“And you know, once we get through the first 10 games, you’re eight games from January. And so if we have to evaluate, we’ll use that.
“But our goal is to avoid January, if possible. So there’s a reason we didn’t do a big thing in January last year or the year before.
“The goal is to be done early. And actually, we got all of our core guys done before the season even began, for that reason.”
However, there is a chance Leeds could return for Wilson in the January window.
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