Leeds United are approaching the January transfer window with the growing sense that adding a proven attacker could be decisive in their fight for Premier League survival.
A recent improvement in results has steadied the club and eased some of the immediate pressure on Daniel Farke. Performances have picked up, but there is still a recognition inside Elland Road that greater quality is needed in the final third.
The context of the relegation battle has sharpened that thinking. With rivals around them expected to strengthen in January, Leeds know they cannot afford to fall short in attack, where a lack of goals has often left fine margins working against them.
As a result, the priority is now on landing a top attacking reinforcement who can make an immediate impact. Leeds believe one addition at the sharp end could be the difference between being dragged back into trouble or pulling clear as the season progresses.
Leeds United target Brennan Johnson is for sale in January
The 24-year-old winger scored the winner in the Europa League final last season. However, he has been nothing more than a squad player under Thomas Frank this term.
He has scored just twice in 15 Premier League appearances, with less than half of them coming in the starting eleven.
| Tournament | Matches | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 15 | 2 | 2 | 601 |
| Champions League | 4 | 1 | 0 | 151 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 | 155 |
| Total | 21 | 4 | 2 | 907 |
Leeds have been linked with an interest in him, but clubs such as West Ham, Aston Villa, Brentford and Brighton are also keen to snap up the Welshman.
According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Tottenhama are ready to do business and open to selling in the winter transfer window.
It has been claimed that Spurs want somewhere around £40m from the sale of the former Nottingham Forest wide man next month.
Johnson is struggling for minutes and would welcome a move to a club where he could get to play more football.
Can Leeds afford him?
Robbie Evans, the Leeds managing director, confirmed at the end of the summer window that they had maxed out their PSR spending.
Leeds need sales in the winter window to afford new players, but the club are not expecting any major offers for any of their players in the January transfer window.
If Johnson is indeed available, it seems the Welshman is likely to be beyond the club’s price point. However, the 49ers must back Farke in January.
The Leeds owners need to take a few risks if they are to fulfil their dream of establishing the club as an established Premier League team.
A move for Johnson would signal to the fans that they are serious about their plans for taking Leeds forward, and would be a major statement in the January window.
