Leeds United seem to be slacking a bit in this January transfer window. Those around them are making signings, or at least nearing new signings, whilst the Whites seem very quiet right now.
In fairness, Daniel Farke did say Leeds United will be quiet in January. But that was before back-to-back draws to kickstart 2025, with the last outing against Hull City in particular highlighting a lot of flaws in the side.
Leeds continue to be linked with new names though. And there’s a plethora of centre-backs being linked with winter moves to Elland Road with Farke particularly light in that area right now.
Worryingly as well, Pascal Struijk missed the Hull City game through injury, though not a serious one, and the Dutchman has been linked with Spurs too, further exposing the need for a new centre-back at Leeds.
And of all the names mentioned alongside Leeds, RC Lens’ Abdukodir Khusanov is by far the most exciting.
Abdukodir Khusanov agrees personal terms with Manchester City
Going into January, it was claimed that Leeds made a £16.5million bid for Khusanov, though the reports were never certified. It highlighted Leeds ambition though with Khusanov having since been mentioned alongside the likes of PSG and even Real Madrid.
But Manchester City have been strongly linked with Khusanov. Now, it seems as though Pep Guardiola’s misfiring side are about to seal a deal for the Uzbeki international, with journalists Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano revealing the latest.
Romano says City are ‘closing in’ on Khusanov after Guardiola gave the move the ‘greenlight’, adding that 20-year-old has ‘agreed personal terms’ and ‘wants the move’ to City. Jacobs has the revealed that the move will cost City ‘north of £30million’.
Leeds United focused on one centre-back right now
Khusanov never really looked like a very realistic target for Leeds. In fact, of all the centre-backs mentioned in January, it’s Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi who looks like the prime target for Farke.
It’s reported that Monchengladbach are unsettled by Leeds’ interest in Elvedi, who’s thought to have a release clause worth £8million.
Farke managed Elvedi at Monchengladbach previously. But the German outfit are reluctant to lose the Swiss international as they mount a push for European football ahead of next season.
Leeds are back in action with an FA Cup clash against Yorkshire neighbours Harrogate Town on Saturday evening.
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