We are almost a third of the way through the January transfer window and Leeds United are yet to make any movements, despite all three promotion rivals already taking action.
Daniel Farke promised a quiet January and despite the always-spinning rumour mill, it looks as though that will be the case judging by the first eight days. Leeds are yet to make any progress for new signings.
Joe Gelhardt is expected to leave for Hull City before the weekend, in a loan deal. Meanwhile, U21 player Cian Coleman has returned to Leeds following a loan spell at Buxton and that so far, is all for Leeds.
Sunderland send big message to Leeds and promotion rivals
The Black Cats remain in the race for automatic promotion alongside Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United and it appears the Sunderland owners are ready to back boss Regis Le Bris in the fight to get promoted.
They have done so by agreeing a deal with Italian giants Roma for Enzo Le Fee. It is just six months since Roma spent £19m to sign Le Fee from French side Lorient, where he made his name under boss Le Bris.
It comes as the YEP say Sheffield United are close to signing Hamza Choudhury and Ben Brereton Diaz, while Burnley have two confirmed arrivals in Oliver Sonne and Turf Moor favourite Ashley Barnes.
Sunderland’s move for Le Fee, which is pretty much done according to Fabrizio Romano, is a real coup and Leeds fans are growing concerned that their rivals are doing business, while Leeds stand still.
Certainly, Le Fee was more than deserving of his move to Roma in the summer. The fact that Le Bris has managed to convince him to drop into England’s second tier is an incredible move from Sunderland.
One Leeds fan responded by saying “Sunderland’s team is actually insane with Le Fee”, while another Leeds supporter described Sunderland signing Le Fee as the “signing of the season” if they pull it off.
He continued by asking “how can Leeds watch teams and think we will be okay”, saying it is a “gamble” from the Leeds board. Another said there should be “alarm bells” going off if Sunderland get Le Fee.
Emi Buendia rejected Leeds in the summer but having seen Sunderland are closing in on “unreal signing” Le Fee, another supporter of Farke’s side urged The 49ers to go back in for the Aston Villa playmaker.
Ipswich memory should serve as a reminder for Daniel Farke
By Farke’s own admittance, Leeds have a small squad. Leeds have already had to delve into the free agent market this season after just two injuries in the same position, bringing in French ace Josuha Guilavogui.
Despite Farke’s comments, Leeds are supposedly in the market for four signings; a centre-back, left-back, midfielder and a striker. Last January should remain fresh in Farke’s mind if he continues to be cautious.
Leeds only managed to sign Connor Roberts on loan in the final few moments of January 2024 and by the end of the season, they were left without Patrick Bamford and running on empty on he Wembley turf.
Farke has rotated more often this season, but Ipswich signed the likes of Kieffer Moore last January and it got them over the line as they finished second. Leeds cannot make the same mistake for a second season.
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