Ivan Toney is a name that continues to be linked with Leeds United as the January window draws closer. It is no secret that the Whites could be in the market for serious quality up top to help boost their chances of survival.
The club’s last few results have put them in a precarious position during this international break. Daniel Farke had the chance against Brighton and Nottingham Forest to pick up some points, but blew his chance and ended up with zero points in two games. After the international break, it is reported that the Leeds boss has the next four games to save his job with Chelsea, Aston Villa and Manchester City as their next opponents.
| Player | Goals scored |
|---|---|
| Noah Okafor | 2 |
| Joe Rodon | 2 |
| Lukas Nmecha | 2 |
| Sean Longstaff and three other players | 1 |
If they do manage to make it to January while keeping their heads afloat, there is no doubt that a move for an attacker will be on the cards. Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have not been up to standard this season.
Ivan Toney makes Leeds United decision
The past few weeks have seen England striker Ivan Toney be linked with a return to England. Talksport reporter Alex Crook believes that the striker is hopeful of making the World Cup, but would have to play in the Premier League for the rest of the season to prove something to Thomas Tuchel. A lot of clubs are said to be interested in a potential deal, including the Whites.
| Season | Games Played | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 33 | 12 |
| 2022/23 | 33 | 20 |
| 2023/24 | 17 | 4 |
But there is an update on Toney’s latest decision. James Marshment has reported that the striker is not keen on a move to Elland Road, as he prefers other clubs in England. Tottenham, Everton, West Ham and Manchester United have been credited with strong interest in the 28-year-old.
Leeds need a proven striker in January
A move for Ivan Toney was never feasible in the first place; with the club’s PSR struggles, getting a striker who earns £400,000-a-week on loan was always going to be a problem. Now, the Whites need to shift their attention towards more attainable targets.
| Player | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| Daizen Maeda | 3 | 2 |
| Brandon Thomas-Asante | 10 | 3 |
Brandon Thomas-Asante is said to be a serious target for January, while Celtic star Daizen Maeda is also attracting some interest. These two players would be within Leeds’ price range and willing to join the Premier League side.
Ambition is good, but what the club need now is someone willing to come in and make a difference at this point in the season. Toney would have been a fantastic signing, but the club need to look at more realistic targets.
They cannot afford to sign someone who may need time to adjust, as Leeds need a forward who can make an instant impact and potentially replace Calvert-Lewin in the starting eleven in the second half of the season.
