It’s transfer deadline day for the January window and it could be an exciting one for Leeds United.
After a month of almost no activity, in which Joe Gelhardt’s loan switch to Hull City has been the only major move, Leeds United’s transfer window might burst to life at the death.
Though Daniel Farke said he was happy with his squad before new year, Leeds have considered recruiting in defence and attacking midfield.
The hunt for a new playmaker has been frustrating, with both Emi Buendia and Louie Barry opting for loan moves elsewhere.
At the back, though Nico Elvedi has emerged as a target, Leeds have not actively pursued the Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back this month.
However, transfer speculation surrounding some new and exciting players emerged towards the end of last week and those deals might still be completed in the final hours of the window on deadline day.
Cameron Archer
The signing Leeds look most likely to complete on deadline day is that of Southampton striker Cameron Archer.
The 23-year-old only joined Southampton in the summer and still regularly starts but is said to be keen on a loan move to Leeds before the window closes.
Though Farke hasn’t shown much interest in a new striker this month, the continued injury problems of Patrick Bamford may have inspired a late move to bring in some additional firepower for the Championship run-in.
Leeds have seen their initial approach for Archer rejected but are set to keep pushing for the move, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
The Whites have shown interest in Archer before but missed out on his signature to Sheffield United in 2023 and may look to secure the signing on deadline day.
When asked about possibly signing on Archer Thursday, Farke kept his cards close to his chest.
Matt Targett
Uncertainty surrounds the future of Matt Target after conflicting reports emerged of Leeds’ interest in the Newcastle United left-back.
Though Leeds are well-stocked in the position with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, the injury issues both have suffered could prompt Farke into wanting some additional back-up, especially after the chase for a centre-back was abandoned after Pascal Struijk’s injury proved not as serious as feared.
The versatile Targett would bring a wealth of experience to the Premier League-chasing side and is out of favour at St. James’ Park.
A report from the Northern Echo claimed Leeds were closing in on Targett and could even reveal him before last weekend.
However, various reports elsewhere claimed Leeds had no such interest and that the rumours were met with ‘bafflement’ from the club.
It remains to be seen if a late deal will be done after all on deadline day.
Willem Geubbels
A new name to emerge as a possible signing towards the end of January is St. Gallen forward Willem Geubbels, who once commanded a £17.5m fee he was that highly rated at 16.
Leeds – as well as Championship rivals Burnley, Sheffield United, West Brom and Norwich – have been linked with Geubbels, though the reports have been shot down by journalists.
A report from Swiss outlet Nau.ch claimed St. Gallen wouldn’t allow Geubbels to leave on loan in January.
Yet, the links have refused to dissipate and Geubbels’ winning goal on Tuesday has shown again what a threat he can be.
A deal seems unlikely but stranger things have happened on deadline day
Possible departures: Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford
Though Farke would presumably rather supplement his squad with any potential signings rather than have to lose a player in turn, new recruits can always lead to departures.
Bamford had been heavily linked with a loan move to Wrexham in January before his injury problems curtailed any switch. If Archer is signed, he may be allowed to leave last minute.
Likewise, should Targett arrive, that may open the door for Firpo to leave ahead of his contract expiring in the summer.
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