With the January window fast approaching, fans are left in the dark over what Leeds United will do. It was hinted in the summer that the winter window would be a quiet one.
Club chiefs pointed to PSR as the reason why they were limited in their transfer spend during the summer. And just a few weeks ago, Daniel Farke gave a stern response when asked about potential transfer activity, saying it was ‘a question for the owners’. Leeds are in good form right now and are quietly distancing themselves from the relegation zone.
Picking up eight points out of a possible 12 have seen them put a cushion between themselves and West Ham. A lot of credit has to go to Farke, whose tactical switch seems to have brought the best out of the team. Guys like Dominic Calvert-Lewin are playing their best football in this run of games.
Young prospect could be a part of Leeds United January transfers
But the change of system has not been straightforward; opting for wingbacks instead of wingers means that most of the club’s wide options have had to do with a place on the bench in recent games. And playing three center backs now means that there is one less option on the bench in games. Earlier in the season, Sebastiaan Bornauw was left out of the squad as the Whites played a back four.
| Player | Games Played | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Rodon | 17 | 1,530 |
| Pascal Struijk | 15 | 1,268 |
| Jaka Bijol | 9 | 715 |
| Sebastiaan Bornauw | 3 | 99 |
He is now a regular on the bench since the formation switch. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds United could be looking at possible transfers in that area of the pitch. Per the report, RB Liepzig defender Chadaille Bitshiabu is one of the names that has popped up. The club is looking for cover for the second half of the season.
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Extra depth at center back could be useful
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it looks like one more center back could arrive with this new system going forward. Bitshiabu is a highly rated talent, that stands at a towering 6ft 5in.
He would perfectly complement the current set of defenders in the team, and would allow Farke to rotate when necessary. Since the club is unlikely to sanction a permanent deal for the Frenchman, a loan looks like the most viable option.
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