It goes from bad to worse for Leeds United in this January transfer window. A player they were reportedly set to sign may now be kept at his current club.
Leeds United’s wait for a first signing of 2025 rumbles on, with Daniel Farke’s side yet to pull the trigger on any new players in the transfer market.
But in the Championship, things are looking up. Leeds United thumped Cardiff City 7-0 on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten start to the New Year, and to keep themselves in 1st place of the Championship table.
The Whites have a two point lead over Sheffield United in 2nd and a five point lead over Burnley in 3rd.
Though whether or not Farke has enough squad depth to last the season remains to be seen. An injury to one of his in form attacking players could be a real issue for the Whites, who don’t boast a huge amount of depth across the pitch.
Watford bid rejected for Leeds United target Matt Targett
One area where Leeds are light is in defence, specifically at centre-back and at left-back too. Junior Firpo shone against Cardiff City and so that’s an option at left-back, though he’s the only natural left-back at the club with Sam Byram right-footed.
On that note, it was reported that Matt Targett had been identified by Farke. Reports even claimed that Leeds United were set to sign Targett from Newcastle United, where manager Eddie Howe described him as an ‘outstanding’ player, but that move now looks all but over.
Watford have now seen a loan bid for Targett rejected, per The Northern Echo, who add that Lloyd Kelly’s move from Newcastle to Juventus has put on hold Targett’s potential exit, potentially indefinitely.
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What Eddie Howe said about Matt Targett this week
Newcastle boss Howe may have foreseen Targett’s move to Elland Road breaking down. Speaking on Friday this week, Howe said he didn’t think anyone would leave Newcastle United before the window slams shut.
He said: “As we stand, currently, I don’t [expect anyone else to go],” Howe said ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Fulham. Things can change [but], as we stand at the moment, I expect the squad to remain the same.”
Kelly’s proposed move to Juventus always threatened any possible move for Targett. It simply seems like Kelly’s exit moved forward faster than Targett’s, and so Leeds must quickly turn their attentions elsewhere.
But Firpo returning and shining against Cardiff is certainly a boost for Leeds, and almost like a new signing for Farke.
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