Leeds United have enjoyed an incredibly promising start to the season, but there are still some things that fans would surely love to change.
The festive period is a crucial time for clubs as the games come thick and fast. But away from sport it is also a time for generosity.
With that in mind, here are seven things that many Leeds United fans will surely hope the football gods give to them in the near future:
Massimo Cellino’s time as owner to come to an end
Although Massimo Cellino appears to have been a lot quieter this season – this is the first season under the Italian’s ownership where the manager appointed in the summer has kept his job until December – there is always a sense of nervousness amongst the Elland Road faithful about what is to come.
While in some ways, he is not as bad as what has come before, many supporters desperately hope that Andrea Radrizzani’s takeover does go through, preferably before the January transfer window. The Sun recently reported that it is on the verge of happening, but fans may not believe it until it is completely done and dusted.
Leeds’ Pontus Jansson
Pontus Jansson’s move to be made permanent
Pontus Jansson enhances his reputation amongst Leeds supporters with almost every single performance. The Yorkshire Post recently reported that the Swede has a clause in his loan contract which gives the Whites the chance to make the move permanent after 20 appearances. They also suggest that Premier League sides are monitoring his progress, so those final four appearances cannot come quick enough for United fans.
Garry Monk to secure a new deal
The fact that Garry Monk has gone into December without signing a contract extension is scarcely believable based on how his first few months in Yorkshire have gone. Monk only signed a one-year deal when he was appointed in the summer (via Guardian), but has undoubtedly done enough to earn a new contract.
Leeds’ ability to bounce back following defeat – they have won their last three that have come after a loss – arguably shows that their form is not a bubble waiting to burst but rather a sign of genuine progress. Keeping Monk could be the best signing that the Whites make.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
Alex Mowatt to prove how good he can be at Leeds
In previous seasons, Alex Mowatt has been Leeds’ talisman. He has scored sensational goals and produced moments of quality that would not look out of place in the Premier League. However, this season has been a different story entirely.
Mowatt has struggled for opportunities under Monk as he struggles to find his best position in the side’s current system, and it appears that he could well be on his way out of the club in the summer when his contract expires (via Yorkshire Evening Post). He has the ability to be a success at the highest level, and it would be a incredible shame if he realised his potential at another club or failed to realise it altogether.
Hadi Sacko to be signed permanently
Leeds have not had the best of luck when it comes to signing wingers in recent years. Since Robert Snodgrass and Max Gradel left the club, only Stuart Dallas has really been capable of shining in a wide role while the likes of Jimmy Kebe, Cameron Stewart and Ryan Hall have gone down as some of the worst signings the club have ever made.
Sacko’s arrival on loan in the summer may not have captured the imagination too much, but he has proved that he has the ability to make something magic happen. On his day, he is capable of giving full-backs all kinds of nightmares so he is arguably the kind of player who could inspire the side to promotion.
Kyle Bartley to be signed permanently
Like their struggles with signing wingers, Leeds have not had the best luck when it comes to buying centre-backs over the last few years. However, Kyle Bartley’s partnership with Jansson has been vital to the Whites’ success. Bartley’s leadership made life without the injured Liam Bridcutt much easier earlier on in the campaign, and keeping him beyond the end of his loan spell would be another excellent piece of business.
Charlie Taylor to change his mind about his future
It seemed for a long time that Charlie Taylor was bound to leave the Whites following his decision to previously submit a transfer request (via Yorkshire Evening Post) with the only question mark lingering over whether he moves on in the summer when his contract expires or in January when Leeds will probably be able to get a much bigger fee for him.
But with Leeds flying high in the table, could the club now convince the academy graduate that he can realise his Premier League ambitions by staying exactly where he is?
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