The January transfer window is just around the corner and Leeds United may look to make signings to avoid a relegation battle.
The Whites sold two key players over the summer as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips departed to two of Europe’s elite.
Some of Leeds’ summer signings have impressed, such as Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Brenden Aaronson.
Others like Luis Sinisterra are still waiting to shine consistently and Leeds may need to dip back into the market in January.
With that in mind, here is our five-point plan for Leeds United as they prepare to head into the January transfer window…
Make signing a left back a top priority
Junior Firpo was highly-regarded at Real Betis but it didn’t work out at Barcelona and it’s time to accept that it isn’t working at Leeds either. Pascal Struijk is faring well as a left back despite being a centre back by trade but it’s time for Leeds to go and sign another left back. Philadelphia Union star Kai Wagner has been heavily linked for months now and a January move for the German would make sense.
Bring in another striker
It’s starting to feel like Leeds just aren’t getting the old Patrick Bamford back. The injuries have been a real concern for a while now and they are unlikely to disappear as he heads towards his 30’s, and Rodrigo – despite scoring nine times in 13 games – still needs some cover and competition. A bridge striker until the likes of Mateo Joseph and Joe Gelhardt are ready to start regularly would be ideal, with Flamengo striker Pedro strongly linked.
Replace Mateusz Klich
MLS Soccer report that Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich is getting closer to signing for Wayne Rooney’s DC United over in the States. The Pole just hasn’t been getting enough game time this season but a replacement will still be needed, especially with Adam Forshaw out of contract in the summer. That means an experienced midfielder would be an ideal capture, even if the main link has been to Birmingham teenager George Hall.
Give up on Cody Gakpo
Look, this would have been a dream signing back in August with Leeds making a late push to sign PSV star Gakpo. Yet with no deal done then, Leeds have seemingly missed their chance as Gakpo has excelled in the Eredivisie and at the World Cup. The Mirror claim that Leeds are still in talks to try and sign Gakpo but it seems that a move to Manchester United is now the most likely outcome – and Leeds need to move on to other targets now.
Sort out Cody Drameh’s future
Drameh is in a weird spot at Leeds. The young right back looks like a hugely exciting talent but hasn’t managed to break into the first team, even seeing a new right back arrive over the summer in Rasmus Kristensen. Marcelo Bielsa didn’t seem happy with his desire to leave on loan in January of this year, and Drameh hasn’t featured much this term. Newcastle United are sniffing around and it’s time to make the decision – keep Drameh and give him minutes or sell him now.
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