Daniel Farke had told reporters ahead of the January transfer window that this month would be quiet for Leeds United, but it appears Leeds are planning for a busier window than Farke had let on.
Last January, Leeds only signed one player in the form of Connor Roberts. The Wales star joined on loan from Burnley while Ipswich made a number of new additions and it saw them go on to finish in second.
Leeds meanwhile, had to tend with the play-offs and eventual defeat to Southampton at Wembley, and ultimately another season in the Championship. Graham Smyth expects Leeds to try and sign a no.10.
However, there are a couple of areas that Leeds could do with more depth. Up top, Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt could leave while Ethan Ampadu had to drop into centre-back against Hull on Saturday.
Leeds are planning to make four new signings in January window
The Mail claims Leeds are actually planning to bring in four new faces this month. More depth at both centre-back and full-back, with Farke clearly not ready to trust Isaac Schmidt despite his arrival in August.
The report says that a midfielder and a striker are also being targeted by Leeds going into the window. Of late, Leeds have been linked with Nico Elvedi while Farke’s side are in talks for Andrew Omobamidele.
On Monday, Leeds have added Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha to their shortlist. The Mail’s report names two strikers on The Whites’ radar in the form of Aston Villa’s Louie Barry, and Dort Turgeman.
A centre-back and a striker are certainly needed at Leeds
Does the Yorkshire really need a full-back and a midfielder? When all are fit, Leeds have Jayden Bogle, Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, Max Wober and Schmidt available while there are six options in central midfield.
The signings of Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Josuha Guilavogui have come in alongside Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Wales international Charlie Crew. Perhaps, The Mail mean Leeds need an attacking midfielder.
Certainly, Leeds lack cover for Brenden Aaronson who has started 24 consecutive Championship games this season. While he has shown glimpses of quality, the USA star has lacked consistency for The Whites.
So, Leeds could do multiple additions this month. A centre-back and a striker, definitely. But instead of a full-back and a central midfielder, a no.10 and possibly a replacement for Illan Meslier should be targeted.
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