Leeds United still have plenty of football to play before the January transfer window opens, but plans for the winter are likely already taking shape behind the scenes.
The summer was largely about building a squad that can compete in the Premier League. January should be different. Rather than another major overhaul, Leeds can afford to be opportunistic and look for players who may have found themselves on the fringes elsewhere.
That could bring established Premier League names into the conversation, particularly if their situations don’t improve over the next couple of months.
Here are three players Leeds could consider.
Read More: Man City verdict could change Leeds United’s January transfer plan
Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)
Federico Chiesa would certainly be the most eye-catching name on the list.
The Italian arrived at Liverpool with a huge reputation after his exploits for Juventus and his starring role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, but his time on Merseyside has not really taken off.
Competition for attacking places remains fierce, and Chiesa has struggled to establish himself as an automatic starter. If that remains the case heading into January, questions over his future will inevitably return.
A permanent deal could prove difficult for Leeds, particularly when wages are factored in, but a loan would be a different proposition.
Leeds could offer Chiesa regular Premier League football and the chance to become an important part of an attack rather than another option in a stacked squad.
There would be obvious hurdles to overcome, but if Liverpool become receptive to a temporary departure, he is exactly the sort of opportunity Leeds should at least consider.
Richarlison
Richarlison’s situation is considerably more interesting because Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has already made his position clear.
The Italian has indicated that Richarlison will not play for him, leaving the Brazilian in an extremely unusual position for a player of his reputation.
That changes the January equation considerably.
Richarlison remains under contract at Tottenham and has extensive Premier League experience, but if De Zerbi effectively freezes him out for the first half of the season, a move becomes increasingly difficult for Spurs to avoid.
Leeds could potentially offer him an escape route.
The 29-year-old can operate through the middle or from the left and has already demonstrated that he can score goals in the Premier League. More importantly, he would arrive with no adaptation period required and could immediately compete for a starting place.
A permanent deal could be difficult given the financial implications, but a loan could make sense if Tottenham’s priority is simply to give him regular football and reduce the size of a squad in which he has no future under De Zerbi.
For Leeds, it would be an opportunity to add a proven Premier League forward without committing to a long-term deal straight away.
Ben Davies (Tottenham)
Not every January addition needs to be an attacking one.
Leeds could also consider adding another experienced centre-back, and Ben Davies’ situation at Tottenham is worth watching.
Davies has accumulated more than a decade of Premier League experience, and his versatility has been one of his biggest strengths throughout his career. Primarily a left-sided centre-back in recent years, he can also operate at left-back.
At this stage of his career, however, regular football could become increasingly important.
For Leeds, Davies would represent a very different type of January signing. There would be little concern about adaptation, and he could provide immediate cover across two positions while adding considerable experience to the dressing room.
He would not carry the excitement of Chiesa or Richarlison, but January recruitment is often about solving problems rather than simply making statements.
Much will change between now and the turn of the year. Injuries, form and playing time will all dictate which players actually become available.
Leeds do not need to force anything. But if established Premier League players find themselves looking for football in January, the club should be in a position to take advantage.
no to all of them.