5 realistic January signings Leeds United could make

Leeds United’s January transfer plans will likely be shaped as much by what happens in the opening months of the season as by any pre-existing wishlist.

The club were active during the summer, but there were still a couple of areas where Daniel Farke’s squad could arguably use strengthening. Leeds explored a supporting striker but didn’t ultimately complete a deal, while midfield could become an area of interest if injuries or a lack of creativity expose a weakness.

With that in mind, here are five players who could realistically emerge as options for Leeds when the January window opens. Importantly, these are players who remained at their clubs during the summer rather than footballers who have only just arrived somewhere new.

Ermedin Demirovic (VfB Stuttgart, striker)

Demirovic remains one of the most obvious names to keep on Leeds’ radar. The Bosnia international stayed at Stuttgart over the summer despite interest and has continued to feature prominently for the German side.

Leeds have previously been linked with the 28-year-old, and his combination of physicality, movement and ability to play either as a lone striker or alongside another forward would give Farke another option up front.

The major stumbling block would be Stuttgart’s asking price. This would not be a cheap deal, but if Leeds decide they need an established forward rather than a developmental signing, Demirovic is one of the more credible options.

Gvidas Gineitis (Torino, midfielder)

Gineitis is perhaps the most intriguing midfield option on this list. The 22-year-old remained at Torino after Leeds showed interest during the summer, with reports subsequently revealing that both the club’s sporting director and chief scout had been tracking him.

That makes this more than a speculative link. Torino were previously prepared to listen to offers, while Gineitis’ representatives have indicated that a move to the Premier League remains an attractive possibility.

His age also fits neatly with Leeds’ recruitment strategy. He can operate as a No.6 or No.8, has the physical attributes to cope with English football and still has plenty of room for development.

Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray, midfielder)

Sara is another player who could re-enter the conversation if Leeds decide they need more creativity from midfield.

The former Norwich midfielder offers something slightly different from Leeds’ existing options. He can progress the ball, create chances and contribute goals from deeper areas, while also having experience of English football.

A January deal would not necessarily be straightforward, particularly given Galatasaray’s position and the player’s value. But if Leeds want to add another genuine creative presence rather than simply another ball-winning midfielder, Sara is a name worth monitoring.

Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt, midfielder)

Berg would be a more unconventional option, but there is a genuine Premier League market developing around the Norway international.

The 28-year-old stayed with Bodø/Glimt through the summer despite interest from English clubs. His performances for club and country have also raised his profile considerably, particularly after Norway’s World Cup campaign.

For Leeds, the attraction would be his experience, passing range and ability to control games from a deeper midfield position. He would also offer something different from the more box-to-box profiles already available to Farke.

The biggest question is whether Bodø/Glimt would actually want to sell in January, particularly with their European commitments.

Noa Lang (Napoli, winger)

Lang is the wildcard of the five, but there is already a Leeds connection here.

Leeds explored a move for the Dutch winger previously, and his situation at Napoli has already demonstrated that his future can become uncertain quite quickly. If he finds himself on the fringes again, Leeds could potentially revisit an option they have considered before.

The 27-year-old would give Farke another player capable of beating defenders one-on-one and operating either from the flank or in a more central attacking role.

A January move would depend heavily on Lang’s role at Napoli over the first half of the season, but Leeds’s interest makes this a more credible possibility than simply picking an available winger from the market.

What should Leeds prioritise?

Leeds may not need to make major additions in January. Much will depend on how Farke’s side develops over the coming months and whether the summer additions settle quickly.

But if a weakness does emerge, a supporting striker and an extra creative midfielder look like the two areas worth watching most closely. Demirović would represent the established option up front, while Gineitis and Sara offer very different solutions in midfield.

The important point is that Leeds do not need another wholesale rebuild. The January window should focus on finding the one or two additions that address whatever problems become apparent in the first half of the season.