Leeds United head into the January transfer window with a clearer plan in place, placing renewed focus on strengthening their attacking options as they look to boost their push for Premier League survival.
The Whites have already moved to bolster their forward line this month, with Facundo Buonanotte arriving on loan from Brighton after turning down a similar switch last summer.
The demand for further attacking additions has been sharpened by recent tactical changes. A shift to a 5-3-2 formation has placed greater emphasis on having a reliable goalscorer, while a lack of depth in attacking areas has further highlighted the need for reinforcements.
Werder Bremen attacking midfielder Romano Schmid has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds, and insider Graham Smyth has provided more insight into their interest.
Leeds United will not sign Romano Schmid in January
It emerged on Sunday evening that Leeds are in talks with Werder Bremen to sign Schmid in the ongoing winter transfer window as part of their plans.
There were suggestions that a move could happen for a deal worth around £13m. However, Leeds insider Graham Smyth provided more updates on the issue.
| Statistic (per 90) | Value | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Non-penalty goals | 0.10 | 66 |
| npxG (non-penalty xG) | 0.11 | 75 |
| Shots total | 1.40 | 75 |
| Assists | 0.17 | 84 |
| xAG (expected assisted goals) | 0.29 | 99 |
| npxG + xAG | 0.40 | 96 |
| Shot-creating actions | 5.63 | 99 |
| Passes attempted | 51.92 | 57 |
| Pass completion % | 71.4% | 3 |
| Progressive passes | 7.47 | 91 |
| Progressive carries | 2.90 | 95 |
| Successful take-ons | 1.30 | 93 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 3.00 | 93 |
| Progressive passes received | 6.89 | 98 |
Smyht insisted that Leeds are no longer interested in signing the attacking midfielder after signing Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton last week.
They were indeed in conversations to sign Schmid, but those talks were abandoned once they confirmed the arrival of Buonanotte from the Seagulls.
Leeds are no longer interested in signing one more attacking midfielder and are only likely to sign a striker before the end of the winter transfer window.
The Whites quickly distanced themselves from the rumours surrounding Scmhid, signalling a shift in their transfer plans for the rest of the window.
The right decision was made at Leeds
The Schmid speculation on Sunday evening was confusing, as Leeds now seem to have enough options for that attacking midfield role in the team following Buonanotte’s arrival.
Leeds still need one more player in attack, but it is not for that creative midfielder’s role, as they now have Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka and Buonanotte in the squad.
However, they will need to sign a striker if they decide to part ways with Joel Piroe, who has attracted interest from Middlesbrough this month.
Leeds have already rejected an offer from Celtic for Piroe, and will only let him go if they receive a suitable offer that makes financial sense.
But the arrival of a new striker will heavily depend on whether they can actually move on the Dutchman in the next couple of weeks.
