Leeds United has not yet made their first move of the January transfer window, which is halfway through.
Before Leeds defeated Cardiff City 3-0 over the weekend, Daniel Farke acknowledged in a press conference that there are places that need to be addressed, but progress has been sluggish thus far.
Leeds is willing to wait to get their first choice targets, but with Charlie Cresswell’s future still up in the air, center back is one position where things are still unclear.
Cresswell won’t be picked for the foreseeable future unless he changes his mentality, Farke stated last week. His lack of playing time combined with those remarks may cause him to head for the exit. There is a lot of interest in him, and a £5 million asking price has been established.
And because Farke typically prefers to have four center backs in his lineup, Phil Hay, an Athletic journalist, speculates that Leeds could sign another one if Cresswell departs on the most recent episode of the Square Ball Podcast.
If Cresswell departs, Leeds may choose to recruit a CB.
“What was bothering Farke the most was not his punctuality, or showing up when he was supposed to, as was the case with Djed Spence,” he stated. He essentially remarked, “When we’re traveling away from home, about games.” His body language conveys a rather dejected demeanor.
“Someone who isn’t paying attention, is irritated, and is genuinely interested in being here.” Farke currently believes that he doesn’t. There must be a decision made because this issue won’t go away on its own.
“If Farke leaves, there will be room for another center back because he is adamant about having four in the squad.”
The issue Leeds may have when trying to fill the center-back position is that prospective players might be turned off by Cresswell’s limited playing time and the potent combination of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
Leeds United at Birmingham City – Sky Bet Championship
Ethan Ampadu has shown he can fill in when needed, so Leeds shouldn’t be alarmed even if Cresswell does leave—full-back positions and a number 10 are all likely to be more important.
In the past two games, Ampadu and Rodon have started together and look great. Ilia Gruev has also been able to play more midfield games as a result, and he has excelled.
How Leeds handles this in the latter two weeks of the window could be intriguing to watch. Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham is one of the people connected.
