Leeds United are yet to make a signing in this January transfer window. But, as quickly as the move has come about, the Whites have now been denied what would’ve been their first signing of the winter window.
Some alarm bells are starting to go off among Leeds United fans who are wondering why the club is yet to sign anyone, and why there’s nobody seemingly even close to moving to Elland Road right now.
There’s ongoing stories, including Leeds’ United’s interest in Nico Elvedi which is exciting for supporters, with other names mentioned too including Aston Villa’s Louie Barry, and Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath among many others.
But they all have interest from elsewhere. Leeds also remain winless in 2025 and those around them in the Championship table are making positive moves, so Leeds might not be the most attractive club near the top of the Championship right now.
Nonetheless, signings are still expected before the February 3rd deadline. But Leeds won’t be signing Dje D’Avilla.
Leeds United move for Dje D’Avilla hits a snag
Recent reports coming out of Portugal revealed that Leeds United had bid to sign D’Avilla. The defensive midfielder, 21, stands at 6ft 2ins and currently plies his trade with Portuguese second tier side Leiria who sit in 7th place pf the Liga 2 table.
But it’s since been reported in Portugal that Leeds’ €4million move for D’Avilla (£3.4million) has hit a roadblock. Portuguese outfit Record state that the Whites’ move to sign D’Avilla is all but over after the Ivorian wasn’t granted work permit.
D’Avilla hasn’t met the requirement to move to England and there’s no suggestion that Leeds will make a second move to sign him either. He would’ve become Leeds’ first signing of the January transfer window.
Leeds United suffer second setback in midfielder pursuit
Other areas of the pitch seem a priority for Leeds right now: in goal with Illan Meslier potentially leaving Leeds United, then up front and at centre-back with numbers light in those areas.
But Farke seems to be keeping an ear to the ground for a new central midfielder too, as links to D’Avilla prove, and as previous links to Coventry City’s Ben Sheaf also prove.
But Sheaf is now sidelined for Coventry. Any potential move to Elland Road has been put to bed and so too has a move for D’Avilla, leaving Leeds back at square one where a new midfielder signing is concerned.
The Whites are back in Championship action against Sheffield Wednesday at Elland Road on Sunday.
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