Leeds United head into the January transfer window with a clearer sense of purpose, placing renewed emphasis on bolstering their attacking and defensive options as they look to reinforce their Premier League survival bid.
An improvement in results has brought added stability to the campaign and eased some of the pressure on Daniel Farke, though questions remain over the balance and depth of the squad as the season moves into its second half.
Recent tactical adjustments have sharpened those issues. The move to a 5-3-2 system has increased the need for another striker, while also prompting Leeds to assess whether defensive reinforcements are required.
Leeds have sanctioned the loan departures of Jack Harrison and Harry Gray. However, the club are intent on holding on to most of their squad, and it seems Sebastiaan Bornauw is likely to stay despite interest from Bundesliga club FC Koln.
Sebastiaan Bornauw set to stay at Leeds as FC Koln approach another centre-back
Bornauw has been heavily linked with a move away from Leeds in the ongoing transfer window. A few Bundesliga clubs have been keeping tabs on him.
FC Koln have shown a real interest in Bornauw, with the club indicating that they are prepared to wait until the end of the window to sign him.
However, it seems Leeds have shown zero interest in selling Bornauw, and the German club are now looking at other centre-back alternatives.
According to Fabrizio Romano, FC Koln have approached Bologna defender Stefan Posch, who is currently on loan at Como this season.
This is a clear sign that the German club are seeking alternatives as Bornauw is now unlikely to leave Leeds in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds have remained firm in their desire to keep Bornauw, despite suggestions that his agent has been attempting to engineer a move away this month.
Leeds could still sign one defender this month
Bornauw is the only back-up centre-back in the Leeds squad at the moment, so he was not going to be sold in the winter transfer window.
However, Farke remains keen to add one more centre-back, and Danilho Doekhi is rumoured to be one of their primary targets at this stage.
The defender will almost certainly leave Union Berlin on a free transfer in the summer. However, he has not ruled out a transfer this month, and Leeds are among the several clubs that want him.
| Defensive metric (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Tackles | 1.41 | 48 |
| Interceptions | 1.24 | 67 |
| Blocks | 1.03 | 25 |
| Clearances | 6.06 | 68 |
| Aerials won | 3.94 | 97 |
Leeds would prefer to sign him on a free at the end of the season. But could be forced to move for him if other clubs make concrete offers to him in the ongoing window.
Harrison’s impending departure will free up space in the wage bill for the arrival of at least one top target on loan in January.
