Leeds United lost to Arsenal on Saturday, but it hasn’t dented their strong start to the Premier League season.
However, there are murmurs that Leeds could dip into the winter transfer window to strengthen their squad and push hard in the second half of the season.
Leeds do not have another striker of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s quality in their squad, and fans feel that is one area the club must strengthen in January.
The club’s recruitment team have been looking at several strikers since the summer, but they decided to keep their powder dry, and it seems the club are actively looking at forwards.
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Leeds United tracking France striker
Leeds United are among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, who has scored 34 Ligue 1 goals, as they consider their attacking options ahead of the January transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds checked on the 26-year-old during the summer, alongside Aston Villa and Everton. Brentford and Brighton have also monitored the Frenchman, although Everton are currently leading the race for his signature.
Lepaul has enjoyed a remarkable rise in French football. After scoring 10 goals for Angers, he took his game to another level at Rennes, scoring 20 in his debut season. His performances earned him a first call-up to the France squad under new manager Zinedine Zidane, further raising his profile.
He has continued that form into the new campaign, scoring three goals in his first five league appearances.
For Leeds, Lepaul could represent an intriguing option as they assess their attacking needs. However, Rennes tied him to a new long-term contract over the summer, so any potential January move could be difficult to negotiate. Leeds’ interest is worth watching, but no indication suggests a deal is imminent.
Everton, Aston Villa, Brentford, and Brighton are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old striker.
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Do Leeds need a striker in January?
Leeds United may not need to panic in the January transfer window, but bringing in another striker should certainly be on Daniel Farke’s radar.
Calvert-Lewin offers valuable Premier League experience and a physical presence up front, but relying on one main goalscorer over a demanding season is risky. Leeds need alternatives who can score when their first-choice options are unavailable or out of form.
The challenge is finding the right player, not simply adding another body to the squad. A January signing can be expensive, and Leeds have other areas to consider, so any deal must make financial and footballing sense.
If the Whites are still struggling to convert chances consistently by then, a striker could be the difference between a comfortable campaign and a nervy finish. Farke doesn’t necessarily need a marquee signing, but he could use another reliable goal source.
