Leeds United approach the January transfer window with a clearer sense of direction, placing fresh emphasis on bolstering their attacking options as they look to strengthen their bid for Premier League survival.
A recent upturn in form has brought added stability to the campaign and eased some of the pressure on Daniel Farke, yet concerns remain over the side’s effectiveness in the final third. However, certain areas of the squad could do with some strengthening.
That need has been heightened by tactical tweaks. The move to a 5-3-2 system has increased the dependence on a reliable goalscorer, while a shortage of attacking depth has further underlined the urgency for reinforcements.
Leeds are also looking at potential defensive reinforcements. However, the club have now made a definitive January decision on a midfielder they have been tracking.
Leeds United finalise January decision on Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan
Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan has been attracting interest from clubs south of the border because of his performances this season.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premiership | 22 | 1 | 5 |
| UECL Qualifiers | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Europa League Qualifying | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| League Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 30 | 3 | 5 |
He is expected to break into the Scotland senior squad before the World Cup and is likely to be included in the flight to the United States in the summer.
Leeds have been keeping tabs on the midfielder over a move to Elland Road. The club like him and are interested in securing a deal for the 23-year-old midfielder.
However, Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Leeds will wait until the summer to sign him when a release clause comes into effect in his contract.
He said: “Yeah, I think that he’s [Mulligan] obviously a player that Leeds are following and keeping tabs on, as he has had a very good season for Hibernian up in Scotland.
“But I don’t think it’s [a midfielder] a priority for Leeds right now. They’ve been in very good form right up until that heartbreaking defeat to Newcastle.
“They’ve really picked up form and really moved further clear of relegation trouble. I don’t think Leeds really need to rush into anything.
“I think he’s a player that Leeds will continue to track and scout, but I don’t envisage them making a move for him in January, but maybe in the summer, if he continues to impress for Hibs, it’s something they will revisit.”
Leeds have other priorities in January
Leeds do not have the funds to waste in January. They have certain priorities, and the club are expected to focus on one or two key signings.
Daniel Farke is pushing for a defender as he is worried about the lack of options in the squad, and there are question marks over Sebastiaan Bornauw’s future as well.
They could also do with one more striker, as Lukas Nmecha has not convinced, and Farke has shown little to no faith in Joel Piroe this season.
If anything happens to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Leeds could really struggle to score goals again this season.
