The January transfer window is upon us and Leeds United really need to dip into the market to help Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds have disappointed this season and could end up in a real relegation battle if they’re not careful.
Injuries and poor squad depth mean Leeds need some big signings with Victor Orta now under pressure to find reinforcements.
With that in mind, here is our five-point transfer for plan for Leeds’ January window…
Add dynamism in midfield
Leeds just look a little short in midfield this season. Part of that is down to Kalvin Phillips being out injured, but Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas haven’t looked themselves this season.
Bielsa’s style needs plenty of legs in midfield, and whilst Klich and Dallas still work hard, they’re not quite as dynamic as they once were.
This, it pains us to say, maybe one season too far for Klich and Dallas, among others.
Bielsa needs to find some more energy and quality in midfield, with Juventus ace Weston McKennie fitting the bill.
Sort out the number 10 role
Pablo Hernandez is long gone and, in truth, Leeds haven’t quite managed to replace his creativity from central areas.
Rodrigo’s Leeds career still hasn’t really taken off and Tyler Roberts hasn’t stepped forward as a consistent creator.
Bringing in a number 10 could help unlock Leeds’ attack whilst again breathing new life into the middle of the pitch.
Leeds hold an interest in Ross Barkley according to the Daily Mail, and he could fill that role.
Bring in another goal threat
With Patrick Bamford suffering injury problems this season, Leeds have looked a little toothless in attack at times this season.
Again, Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts haven’t made the position their own and Leeds could do with another goal threat if they’re to move forward.
ESPN Brasil claim that Basel target man Arthur Cabral is on Leeds’ wish list, just as he was in 2020.
A regular goalscorer in Switzerland, Cabral can offer a physical focal point just as Fernando Llorente and Andre-Pierre Gignac did for Bielsa in the past.
Fend off any Raphinha interest
If there’s anything Leeds simply cannot do, it’s lose Raphinha in January.
That seems very unlikely in the middle of the season, but we’ve seen crazier transfers in years gone by.
Even with Leeds struggling this season, Raphinha continues to shine and looks like Bielsa’s biggest threat every week.
Europe’s elite are likely to come calling for Raphinha sooner or later, but Leeds can’t entertain any offers in January; they simply need him too much.
Make decision on Forshaw
Adam Forshaw has made a great return from injury this season, showing that he can be a Premier League midfielder.
The problem for Leeds is that Forshaw is out of contract at the end of the season.
If Leeds don’t want to give Forshaw a new deal – and you can maybe understand some reservations after his injury history – then January is the time to sell.
We would recommend a new contract for Forshaw, and January represents a great time for Leeds to sit down and make their decision on the midfielder.
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