Leeds United’s focus ahead of January will be to bring in some attacking reinforcements for Daniel Farke. But, there could be some exits as well in the next few weeks.
Having failed to sign Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte in the final days of the summer window, the need for an attacker remains. That is, even if Leeds broke a 24-year record on Saturday at Elland Road.
It was the first time in 24 years that Leeds have scored three goals in three successive Premier League matches at home, since the turn of the year in 2001-02. Leeds might feel they don’t need any attackers.
Daniel Farke thinks he’s the perfect manager for Harry Gray
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is flying, Lukas Nmecha has four goals, and Anton Stach has added three from the middle of the park. So, it remains up in the air if Leeds do try to bolster their options in the final third.
But in terms of outgoings, a few are expected. Joel Piroe remains committed to Leeds, but interest could turn his head. Illan Meslier is in the final few months of his deal, and is supposedly keen on joining Celtic.
Man City plotting move to sign Leeds United gem rated at £40m
Robbie Evans has made the point that any signing will see Leeds cross the PSR border. If there is a need to bring in a new signing, then it might be that Leeds have to sell with Willy Gnonto a potential profit.
But there is no player who would see Leeds rake in more profit than Harry Gray. Given he was an academy product, Gray has cost nothing to bring to the club, but his potential at Elland Road is absolutely huge.
Man City have always been linked with Archie’s younger brother and now, transfer expert Alan Nixon says that City are readying a £40m bid for Gray. Pure profit in the eyes of PSR that Leeds will have to consider.
The report also claims that City are willing to include a player as a ‘sweetener’. Nixon states the obvious player to be included in a player-plus-cash deal would be England star and City outcast, Kalvin Phillips.
£40m for Harry Gray is hard to ignore for Leeds… right?
He's only played once at senior level!
Obviously, Gray signed a new contract at Leeds shortly after his 17th birthday, and is expected to put pen to paper on new terms when he turns 18. Whether Leeds can keep him until then, remains to be seen.
Leeds don’t need to do anything in the January window
A few weeks ago, fans might have been concerned about the lack of attacking output. Now, Leeds boast the most in-form striker in the Premier League in Calvert-Lewin, and others are also chipping in as well.
Stach, Noah Okafor, Nmecha, Ao Tanaka and Joe Rodon all have two or more goals. This is a Leeds side that are currently missing Nmecha, as well as Sean Longstaff and Dan James, two key players for Leeds.
Leeds have shown they have enough. Calvert-Lewin has been proved right. So, if Leeds don’t need any more signings in January, then they don’t need to sell any players to improve their position with PSR.
A fee of £40m is a lot for a player that has only played once at senior level. But Leeds will be desperate to keep the fifth member of the Gray family to play for Leeds, having been forced to sell Archie to Spurs.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
