Now that the January transfer window has opened, everyone is talking about Leeds United’s potential targets. In light of the club’s need for a left back and the significance of keeping key players, writers for Leeds United News have speculated about Daniel Farke’s attitude to the transfer market.
There are a few of Leeds periphery players whose futures are unknown because they don’t get much playing time; rumors of loan interest have already circulated. Because of their little playing time, Charlie Cresswell, Joe Gelhardt, and Ian Poveda have all been associated with departure rumors.
After a summer transfer window in which nine players arrived to replace eighteen who left, Farke has already hinted that this month will not see many new arrivals. However, considering the current record of the top two, it would be foolish to ignore the possibility of strengthening the squad in pursuit of automatic promotion.
The Whites’ upcoming January transfer window is predicted by Leeds United News.
Leeds are expected to join the transfer market for a left back, as Farke has already stated, due to the injury concerns with Junior Firpo and Sam Byram. Although Byram has been healthy for the majority of the season, he has recently suffered from a handful of little muscular strains, demonstrating that he is not always reliable. Firpo, meanwhile, has missed the majority of the season.
There haven’t been too many ties at this stage as to who Leeds may go for, however Club Brugge’s Archie Brown is a name that has been touted. However, given that he has already played for two clubs this year, he would not be eligible to play for Leeds until next season.
A new number 10 could possibly be on the table for Leeds having missed out on Nadiem Amiri in the summer, before subsequently opting against bringing in a replacement. Ilias Chair was a target in the summer, while Galatasaray’s Kerem Akturkoglu has been connected in recent weeks, though manager Okan Buruk has reportedly ruled out a January exit for him.
1. FSV Mainz 05 v Bayer 04 Leverkusen – Bundesliga
With that in mind, there is a fair degree of activity that might still take place at Elland Road, even if it won’t be anywhere near as crazy as the summer. Here is how the Leeds United News writers foresee the club’s January transfer plans to unfold…
Danny Bloomer
Danny Bloomer expects that Leeds United will strengthen at left-back and attacking midfield this month, although vital players like Crysencio Summerville will be kept, as they attempt to catch the top two.
Aside from last year – where it was a case of purchasing the wrong players at the wrong time – Leeds have typically disregarded the January transfer window, but it is something they cannot afford to do this year.
Byram has been superb at left-back this season but has been unable to control his minutes this season due to Firpo’s chronic injury woes, and that cannot afford to be the case in the second half of the campaign.
With Real Betis having been widely linked, Firpo could possibly move on himself this month, which would probably be best for all parties. Even if he doesn’t though, a new left-back needs signing and Farke has realized this.
Attacking midfield is also a current area of weakness, as Leeds do not have a natural creative replacement off the bench when Georginio Rutter is perhaps not firing on all cylinders. A loan would certainly make sense in this situation, with Angus Kinnear having already revealed they had left two spots vacant for this reason.
Other positions may also need looked at if marginal players leave on, although Farke has already reportedly made it plain he wants everyone to stay. There is no chance vital players like Crysencio Summerville be sold at the middle point of the season, either.
Jordan Harris
Jordan Harris expects that maintaining hold of key players is what Leeds will prioritise over the next four weeks, but would also like to see Joe Rodon signed permanently, on top of a new left-back.
Leeds United v Middlesbrough – Sky Bet Championship
In terms of incomings, it appears set to be a pretty quiet window for Farke. And the priority may well be retaining the likes of Summerville and Willy Gnonto at the club.
There does not appear to be too much talk about any of our other key players, which implies that this window is likely to be nowhere near as dramatic or eventful as the summer.
Ideally, a new left-back would come in amid uncertainties over the future of Firpo. Byram’s recent injury unfortunately reminded us that it is a gamble to rely on the 31-year-old to stay fit.
One transaction which would be fantastic to see would be a permanent move for Joe Rodon. Rodon has been superb for Leeds since his move from Tottenham in the summer.
And if there is a chance that Spurs would be prepared to sell him next month, and we have money to spend, then it makes a lot of sense to make that deal. Otherwise, we risk being left in a similar predicament as when we just could not get a deal for Ben White done.
Will Butcher
Will Butcher is expecting Leeds to focus on the loan market this month – both in terms of incomings and outgoings – with left-back and the retention of important men the primary priority.
I can’t see Leeds investing large in January, unless a key player is gone. Indeed, we are hardly in need of many additions. The only positions the club absolutely need additions in, are at left-back and in the 10 spot. We tried to sign Kenny McLean, Matt O’Riley and Amiri in the summer. Joel Piroe’s form has been up and down.
Behind Piroe, there aren’t many options in attacking midfield. Gelhardt – but he is scarcely a starting choice. Summerville is finest from out wide.
At left-back, Leeds do need a signing. Byram and Firpo have both been in the treatment room in the previous two weeks and it shows the need for another body in that area. Unless, Farke feels Djed Spence is competent enough in that job — with Spence unlikely to replace Archie Gray any time soon.
Leeds United v Coventry City – Sky Bet Championship
But in terms of incomings, surely it is only going to be one or two loan additions — at left-back and potentially a no.10 – fresh acquisitions will only be made if a player goes.
So, outgoings? Well, Summerville, Rutter, Gnonto, Illan Meslier, Pascal Struijk and others all won admirers in the summer. Apart from Gnonto, they are all impressive this season. It is easily assumed that clubs could come in for them – but certainly, Leeds would rather keep them.
Other than that, then, Leeds fans might expect loan exits — Gelhardt, Cresswell, Poveda, Darko Gyabi, Mateo Joseph, Lew Bate and others could be given the chance to gain some playing time.
