Leeds United approach the January transfer window with a clearer blueprint, placing renewed emphasis on attacking additions as they aim to strengthen their bid for Premier League survival.
A recent upturn in results has brought greater stability to the season and eased some of the pressure on Daniel Farke, yet doubts persist over the side’s sharpness in the final third. The club are looking at reinforcements at both ends of the pitch.
Tactical changes have sharpened that need. The switch to a 5-3-2 system has increased reliance on a reliable goalscorer, while a shortage of depth in attacking areas has further underlined the urgency for reinforcements.
Daniel Farke would love to sign a striker, but that would be expensive. However, the Leeds boss may opt to sign a more versatile forward, and Aston Villa could offer them such a chance.
Aston Villa want a new club for Leon Bailey in January amid Leeds United’s need for an attacker
Villa paid close to £30m to sign the winger from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. However, he became surplus to requirements last summer, and he was allowed to join Roma on loan.
However, he has struggled with injuries in Italy this season, and his adventure at Roma is likely to come to a premature end in the ongoing transfer window.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Roma want to terminate the loan agreement and send the winger back to Aston Villa before the window closes this month.
Aston Villa are aware, and the club and his agents are keen to find a new club for him to join on loan in the ongoing winter transfer window.
A return to England could be on the cards, and clubs such as Leeds are in the market for versatile forwards like Bailey in January.
Bailey is a gamble worth taking for Leeds in January
Leeds need a couple of attacking reinforcements. However, they may not have the funds to sign a striker of the required quality, so they may have to compromise.
Bailey could be that compromise if Aston Villa are prepared to agree to loan him out to the Whites with an option to buy.
He is a natural right-winger who cuts inside onto his stronger left foot, offering exactly the kind of profile Farke’s side has often lacked in the attacking third at points this season.
Blessed with electric pace and close control, Bailey is an elite dribbler capable of carrying the ball at speed, beating defenders in one-on-one situations and stretching opposition back lines. That direct threat would add a different dimension to Leeds’ attack in the Premier League.
Crucially, he already has experience at the Premier League level, meaning he would require little time to adapt to the intensity and demands of English football. While his injury record is a legitimate concern, it is also a factor that could make a deal financially viable in January.
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive carries | 4.38 | 76 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.50 | 59 |
| Touches in the opposition penalty box | 5.51 | 76 |
| Progressive passes received | 11.14 | 91 |
He could be deployed just behind Calvert-Lewin in the team, and his natural width would add one more option that Farke could use if he reverts to a 4-3-3 in certain games.
Jack Harrison is one more wide man in the squad, but his Derby performance showed why the Leeds manager does not trust him.
If managed carefully and kept fit, Bailey is the type of signing who could raise Leeds’ attacking ceiling immediately and provide a genuine elite option in the final third.
