Leeds United have a problem at left-back in the second half of the season. Junior Firpo is out with an injury and Sam Byram’s fitness has also come under the scanner. Isaac Schmidt is another option in the squad but the defender has barely played, which is a sign of Daniel Farke’s lack of faith in his quality. The Whites are considering strengthening their squad and signing a left-back would be a welcome addition to the squad. Tottenham’s Ben Davies has been linked with a move to Elland Road and it would be a coup if the Whites signed the Welshman in the winter transfer window.
Firpo’s injury has exposed a problem area in the Leeds squad. Schmidt was signed as his backup in the summer but he has played just 25 minutes of Championship football across seven substitute appearances.
It is clear that Farke doesn’t trust the Swiss enough and Sam Byram has been deployed to play as left-back with Max Wober getting a look-in for that role from time to time.
For the moment, beyond Firpo, none of the left-back options in the Leeds squad are perfect and signing a new player for that position would be a welcome addition.
Leeds showed an interest in Davies last summer and the club are still keeping tabs on the Tottenham star in the winter transfer window as well. He is out of contract at the end of this season and Spurs are reportedly keen to offload him this month for a fee rather than lose him for free in the summer.
The Welshman has been a bit part player at Spurs this season and is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. Tottenham could be open to letting him go this month if they receive a suitable offer.
Ben Davies will add real quality and experience to the Leeds United squad
Ben Davies is no longer a key part of the Spurs squad and his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. Tottenham are likely to let him go if they receive a fee for him in January.
The Welshman has a wealth of experience both at club and international level and was the cornerstone of the Tottenham side for years.
He is likely to have Premier League suitors as well but Leeds would do well to check whether he is prepared to drop down to the Championship for half a season.
Davies would be an addition of real quality and his experience would come in handy in what is shaping up to be another close race for automatic promotion.
His arrival would also give them a left-back of real quality beyond Firpo and he could even displace the latter in the team even when he is fit to return to the team.
Firpo’s contract situation also leads to suggestion that Leeds do need a left-back in their squad if they are to lose him at the end of the season.
With Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon already in the team, Davies would find it easier to adapt to his new surroundings with his international teammates around him.
His arrival would also mean that Leeds would have a Premier League-proven left-back in their squad if they get promoted at the end of the season.
Daniel Farke will have to take a call on whether signing a new left-back is a necessity
Farke and the Leeds recruitment team will have to take a close look at the squad and decide what areas need strengthening this month.
The noise around Illan Meslier has been growing louder and Leeds are considering bringing in a new goalkeeper before the end of the January transfer window.
Leeds have also been linked with a move for Middlesbrough forward Emmanuel Latte Lath with several Premier League clubs also believed to be chasing him this month.
There is no clarity when Junior Firpo will be returning to action and Leeds are being forced to make do with square pegs in round holes in the left-back position for now
Davies is an interesting option for Leeds given his experience but he would agree to take a pay cut and Tottenham would have to consent to a cut-price deal in January.
Leeds do not want to go crazy in January to chase promotion and Farke would have to take a call on which areas of the squad need funds for strengthening.
Whether signing a left-back is high on Farke’s priority list is unclear but Davies would be a great addition for Leeds if the manager wants him this month for a fee, or potentially at the end of the season on a free.
