Leeds United have a creativity crisis at their club. Their attackers have not delivered so far and the club now needs to bolster itself during the January window.
Daniel Farke’s men have scored just 10 goals in as many games this season across all competitions. They currently lie just five points above the relegation zone.
The priority therefore would be more effective in the final third of the pitch and survive the drop.
Leeds United have three options to choose from
The transfer market is still two months away but the work begins much earlier. With a quarter of Premier League done and dusted, each club has identified their problems areas.
And the clubs who are better equipped to deal with those issues will end the season achieving their desired goals. For Leeds United it is to reinforce their attacking third. Here are three options the club can possible look at during the winter window.
Ross Barkley
Before winning the Europa League with Chelsea Ross Barkley plied his trade at Everton. During his stint for Merseyside he was sent on loan to Elland Road. But that spell lasted for just four games.
But the now experienced campaigner is interested in a loan spell at Leeds. Barley is looking to get back into contention for a World Cup spot and getting more game time is one way to prove himself.
A successful loan spell under Farke can once again open the England doors for the 32-year old. Barkley will add attacking flair midfield. Plus a loan deal makes financial sense considering the club’s PSR concerns.
Pellegrini is currently out of favour at As Roma. Out of a possible 12, he has only made seven appearances for club, three of which were from the bench. His game time too has reduced as the season progressed.
The 29-year old is in the final year of his contract at Serie A giants. Caoch Gian Piero Gasperini does not seem to have the Italian in his long term plans. In such circumstances, getting Pellegrini will not be an expensive affair.
The player himself can also be tempted with the lure of a permanent deal should a season-long loan deal pays off for Leeds. Although his lack of English football experience can go against him.
Piotr Zielinski
A regular at Napoli, the Polish international has struggled for game time since his switch to Inter Milan in 2024. This season he has fallen further down the pecking order.
With just two starts in 12 games, he not found a starting spot in any of the club’s league games. Before joining San Siro had 36 league goal contributions in three seasons for Napoli. Something Leeds could desperately do with.
With valuable Champions League experience, he is an automatic upgrade to all available options at Leeds. However the 31-year old lags behind on defensive capabilities. And Farke would have weigh the pros and cons before considering him.
Farke needs to make up his mind
Daniel Farke does not have an easy decision to make. Each player has their own positives and negatives. While all three have vast experience of playing at top clubs, only Barkley has Premier League football under his belt.
Adapting to English clubs may take time, something that Leeds can ill to afford. But Barkley has got even lesser time than what the two Serie A players have got this season. His match readiness would be a factor.
Pellegrini on the other hand has age to his side. He is yet to cross 30 and will be a more youthful addition to the squad. With his contract running out this season, he will likely be a cheaper option for the Whites.
Both Barkley and Zielinski have longer contracts which may make them costlier affairs. And as we know Leeds cannot take the trouble of breaching any Profit and Sustainability Rules.
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