Leeds United are preparing to strengthen their squad in the January transfer window as they look to sustain their Premier League survival push in the 2025/26 campaign.
An improved run of results has left Daniel Farke in a more secure position. Recent performances have brought stability and handed the Leeds boss greater authority as he presses the club to support him in the market.
Recruitment thinking has also been shaped by a tactical shift. The move to a 5-3-2 system has underlined the need for extra attacking depth, with the hunt for another striker stepped up due to Lukas Nmecha’s ongoing fitness problems.
Leeds are weighing up several attacking options ahead of January, but these are the three names fans should take note of as they could be realistic signings for the winter window.
3 players Leeds United are likely to sign in January
Ruben Vargas
The chatter around Vargas has increased in recent weeks. Leeds have been weighing up making a move for the Seville attacker, who has scored three goals and registered four assists in La Liga this season.
The Spanish club are prepared to cash in to ease their financial burden and will accept offers around £9m. Leeds are among the three Premier League clubs that are in active talks with intermediaries regarding a January deal for the Swiss winger.
Vargas is a versatile attacking player who can slot in multiple positions in the final third. At £9m, he represents good value for Leeds in the winter transfer window.
Manor Solomon
Solomon played a big role in earning Leeds promotion during his loan stint at Elland Road last season. However, the Whites did’t sign him on a permanent deal in the summer.
The winger joined Valencia on loan on deadline day. However, the Tottenham winger has had a disastrous stint in Spain and wants out in the winter window.
He has asked Tottenham to cut short his loan in January, and Leeds have been linked with reviving their interest in signing him next month.
A move for Solomon would make sense as he can play in various positions in the final third, and he would not need time to settle at Leeds if he joins in the middle of the season.
Ayase Ueda
Leeds need a striker in January as Nmecha is struggling with his fitness, and the new system needs Farke to play two forwards up front.
The Leeds boss doesn’t trust Joel Piroe, which is clear from the fact that he has played Noah Okafor beside Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Nmecha’s absence.
Ueda has been tipped to join Leeds, and the Japanese striker has been in supreme form for Feyenoord this season, scoring 18 times in 17 Eredivisie appearances.
| Matches Played | 25 |
|---|---|
| Goals Scored | 19 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Minutes Played | 2,036 |
His performances have turned heads, and Leeds have been urged to sign him, given his goalscoring record and the Whites’ need for another striker.
Feyenoord are likely to sell Ueda if a club offer them enough money, despite Robin van Persie wanting to hold on to him.
ueda, yes.