Leeds United are preparing to bolster their squad in the January transfer window as they look to strengthen their bid for Premier League survival in the 2025/26 campaign.
An improved run of results has put Daniel Farke in a more assured position. The recent performances have steadied the side and given the Leeds boss greater influence as he presses the club to support him in the market.
Recruitment plans have also been shaped by a tactical tweak. The move to a 5-3-2 system has exposed the need for added attacking depth, with another striker high on the agenda amid Lukas Nmecha’s continuing fitness issues.
Leeds are looking at several striker options ahead of the January transfer window. However, they now have a huge opportunity to rekindle their interest in a forward they wanted last summer.
Leeds United target Artem Dovbyk is struggling at Roma
Artem Dovbyk was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in the summer when it appeared he had no future under new Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
Leeds enquired about signing him, and initial talks did take place. However, the club eventually opted to secure a deal to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer.
The striker has made just three Serie A appearances from the start, and has scored twice in ten league games overall this season.
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 10 | 2 | 1 | 323 |
| Europa League | 4 | 0 | 1 | 241 |
| Total | 14 | 2 | 2 | 564 |
He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. However, according to Pazzi Di Fanta, the forward has been prevented from joining training with the rest of the squad.
Gasperini is not a fan of the Roma striker and appears to be trying to shift him out of the club in the winter transfer window.
It remains to be seen whether Dovbyk is allowed to return to training with the rest of the squad once he completely recovers from his hamstring problem.
Perfect January opportunity for Leeds
Farke’s decision to shift to a 5-3-2 formation has increased the need for one more striker in the Leeds squad for the latter half of the season.
Lukas Nmecha is struggling with an injury, and Farke has played Noah Okafor alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin as he still doesn’t trust Joel Piroe enough to start him in Premier League games.
Leeds also need to be mindful about managing Calvert-Lewin’s workload despite his current golden run of form.
The Whites were interested in Dovbyk, and he appears to have the physicality to deal with the Premier League’s intensity.
With Roma seemingly looking to push him out, this is a perfect chance for the 49ers to show opportunism and take the Ukrainian to Elland Road.
Gasperini is keen to move him on, and Leeds could easily move in to try and secure a deal to sign the forward on loan in the January transfer window.
Dovbyk will add something different to the squad and provide another option should something happen to Calvert-Lewin in the coming months.
