Leeds United will know that the upcoming January window could be crucial to their promotion hopes.
Garry Monk will know that the upcoming January transfer window could be crucial to Leeds United’s hopes of remaining in the promotion picture right until the end of the campaign.
But with January proving a notoriously difficult time to do business, Monk will also know that getting the right players in will be no easy task. But can he take some hope from some of the acquisitions that the club have made since the winter window’s introduction?
Here are arguably the five best signings Leeds have made during the January window:
5. Stephen Warnock
Stephen Warnock
While the name Warnock is not one that will be warmly received amongst Leeds fans, Stephen Warnock’s arrival came at a time when the club really needed a consistent performer in defence. His assured performances helped a sometimes shaky back line, and his leadership made him an important member of the side until 2015.
4. Sol Bamba
Sol Bamba
Sol Bamba’s time at Elland Road may not have ended as he wanted it to, but there is no question that his arrival on loan in January 2015 was reflected upon as an excellent piece of business. Like Warnock before him, the centre-back quickly established himself as a leader. And when he was at his best, he inspired his teammates in the same way that Pontus Jansson does now on a regular basis.
3. Richard Naylor
Richard Naylor
The Leeds-supporting centre-back was definitely an astute acquisition when brought in in 2009, initially on loan before swiftly making the deal permanent. He was a key man during their promotion from the third tier, famously featuring in their FA Cup win over Manchester United at Old Trafford and scoring twice in the crucial victory over Yeovil when Leeds’ grasp on promotion was beginning to slip.
2. Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson
Bradley Johnson gradually established himself as an important member of a very strong Leeds midfield. His ability to raise his game during the club’s return to the Championship – he scored a stunning goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup that had Elland Road rocking – helped Simon Grayson’s men put themselves in play-off contention. He would soon realise his Premier League ambition, but with Norwich City.
1. Max Gradel
Max Gradel
It is testament to how good a player Max Gradel has become that he would arguably rank very high if Leeds fans were asked which former player they would love to see return at some stage. After a promising loan spell, he joined the Whites on a permanent deal in January 2010.
Though he threatened to damage his reputation at the club beyond repair following his red card on the final day of the 2009-10 campaign when Leeds needed a victory to go up automatically – they got the win, just – his subsequent form in the Championship made him a much-loved player. Given his ability to make something special happen, as well as his form in Ligue 1 following his exit, it would perhaps be fair to say that few departures have hurt Leeds fans quite as much.
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