Leeds are in a fantastic position to attack the winter transfer window.
A run of four Premier League games without defeat – including a famous win over Chelsea and an enthralling fightback to draw against Liverpool – have made Leeds a whole lot more attractive to potential arrivals in the market.
January is notoriously a tough window to do business in, although Daniel Farke may now be helped by the connection to Red Bull as Leeds hold talks over RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
Leeds United weighing up move to sign the unsettled El Chadaille Bitshiabu
TEAMtalk now state that those at Elland Road are holding internal discussions over whether to make a move for the 20-year-old this winter.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
Explain why!
Fabrizio Romano claimed on Tuesday that Bitshiabu wants to leave RB Leipzig and Premier League clubs were enquiring, as the centre-back has been handed just three Bundesliga appearances so far this season.
It led us here on Leeds United News to opine that Leeds might be one of those to have asked about the Frenchman – having courted him back in the summer of 2023 – and TEAMtalk have now supported that opinion with a genuine link.
They add that West Ham are also keen on signing the towering 6ft 5in defender, although Leeds are confident they will win the race for his signature if a decision is made to make an approach, given the connection to Red Bull.
Leeds previously had little need for another central defender, but the switch to a 3-5-2 formation has bumped Jaka Bijol up the pecking order and made Sebastiaan Bornauw the only backup option Farke has in the centre of defence.
TEAMtalk add that RB Leipzig are unwilling to sell Bitshiabu this winter, but are certainly open to a loan move due to his unhappiness.
Why we doubt El Chadaille Bitshiabu will pick Leeds United
The Red Bull connection will surely help Leeds in discussions with RB Leipzig, but when it comes to personal terms and talks with Bitshiabu himself, we have some doubts.
Would you make any changes for Sunderland? 🤔
Primarily, the defender is searching for playing time, so why would he opt to join Leeds only to sit behind Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and Bijol?
Bornauw – who FC Koln are keen to sign – can also quite rightly lay claim to being the first backup option in the event of any injuries or suspensions, so the pathway for Bitshiabu is blocked.
It would make sense to sign another central defender this winter after the 3-5-2 system was implemented, but the 49ers will surely have to find somebody willing to warm the bench as opposed to one hungry for playing time.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
