Leeds have impressed this season, but some of their recent results suggests that they need reinforcements during the January window?
Garry Monk’s Leeds United side have been winning plenty of plaudits this season, but their recent defeats to Newcastle and Brighton highlight the need for the Whites to strengthen during the January window if they hope to remain in the play-off hunt heading into the business end of the campaign.
Heading into the winter window in 2011, Leeds were fourth in the Championship but ultimately fell short of the top six, with their lack of activity in January pinpointed as a key reason for their inability to kick on.
With several incredibly talented players in their squad, as well as an impressive manager whose stock is quickly rising, Leeds simply cannot afford to stick with what they have as falling short of promotion this time could have major implications on how long it will take them to get that back into that position once again.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
For that reason, the Peacocks may want to consider beginning the month going after ambitious targets. One such player that they should perhaps consider is a recent Premier League title winner who has hinted that he may be looking to move.
Leonardo Ulloa recently admitted that his lack of first-team opportunities at Leicester City has left him considering his future (via Sky Sports), and those words should arguably make Monk sit up and take notice.
A report in the Yorkshire Evening Post recently suggested that Leeds want a new striker. And while Ulloa seems unlikely to come cheap – having been an important part of the Foxes’ title-winning team last season – a loan move for the 30-year-old may prove to be a season-defining acquisition for the club.
Leonardo Ulloa
Ulloa is a similar kind of player to current star forward Chris Wood, so while he would still give Monk a different option – and his record for Brighton suggests that he would enjoy a return to the Championship – his presence would not force the side to move away from the style and shape that has served them so well this season.
Plus, Ulloa and Wood briefly played together at the King Power Stadium, so it would not be out of the question for Monk to adopt a different strategy from time to time that sees Leeds go with two up front.
While Leicester may have to contribute to Ulloa’s wages during a loan spell, they may appreciate the opportunity to temporarily move a player off their books if he looks destined to become unhappy, and a Leeds switch may appeal as he will not be joining a top flight rival while they still find themselves on the periphery of a relegation battle.
And based on their transfer history, it appears that the two clubs have a civil relationship, with Wood and Max Gradel moving to Elland Road in recent years while Kasper Schmeichel headed in the opposite direction a few seasons ago.
It may be wishful thinking to try and sign a player who has attracted Premier League attention recently – Swansea and Sunderland have been linked with a move (via Mirror) – but if Leeds want to capitalise on their promising start to the season, they now need to show some ambition in the transfer window.
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