The January transfer window doesn’t open for a few months, but in Leeds United’s case, every supporter knows that finding a No. 10 is atop the wishlist. However, could one target already be ruled out?
Recently, former Leeds manager Simon Grayson urged the club to address this gap during the summer window and remains firm in that belief, highlighting the team’s lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
“Before the transfer window closed I said Leeds needed a creative No.10 to pull the strings in midfield,” Grayson told The Football League Paper. “I still think that’s the case, if only to add competition for places, but there’s more than enough quality in that team to win promotion.”
“What they really need is a bit of composure and ruthlessness in that final third. Time and again you see them dominate pressure and chances, but it’s like they’re always trying to score the perfect goal. They’ve not scored from outside the box for a long time. They’ve not scored off a set-piece for months and months. You don’t always have to walk the ball into the net.”
Over the summer, the Whites were keen on finding a playmaker for manager Daniel Farke. Nonetheless, they whiffed on their targets, but could they return to see if any of the players Leeds had in mind might have changed stance and be open to a move?
Is it time to cross off Emi Buendia?
A few weeks ago, Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear revealed that the club had Aston Villa standout Emi Buendia on its radar. LeedsLive examined the Whites’ targets and whether they can revisit these files during the January window.
Nonetheless, the outlet believes that it’s time to cross out the Argentine off their transfer wishlist.
“Buendia would have been quite the coup for Leeds United had they been able to pull of the transfer this summer and is a player Farke knows well from his time at Carrow Road,” LeedsLive noted.
“However, Kinnear’s comments suggest promotion to the Premier League would be the only way to secure his services, unless the Argentinian has a change of heart. The 27-year-old has made five appearances for Aston Villa in all competitions this season, making just one start in the Carabao Cup.”
