Leeds United had a very quiet start to the January transfer window, with many thinking that the club would be inactive. Last year, there was almost zero activity when the team was chasing promotion.
But this time around, things are different, and the 49ers are continuing where they left off in the summer. Leeds added quality and depth before the season began, and now midway through the season, they are adding reinforcements. The goal is to ensure survival, and so far the deals on the table are pointing to just that.
The Whites added Facundo Buonanotte on loan till the end of the season; he brings more quality to the attack and midfield, and most importantly takes the spot of Jack Harrison who already wanted to leave. Leeds United are also working on signing Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, with the deal yet to be completed.
Leeds United keen on Ben Chilwell
One of the club’s most impressive summer signings Gabriel Gudmundsson has gone down with an injury. He missed Monday night’s clash with Everton, and James Justin had to fill in. Daniel Farke confirmed that it is an adductor issue and could take ‘three or four weeks’ for the Swedish international to return. This would leave the team without a natural left back for a while.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| 2023/24 | 21 | 0 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | 30 | 2 | 2 |
That could change soon if reports coming in are true. Ekrem Konur has reported that Leeds United have strengthened their interest in a deal for Ben Chilwell since Gudmundsson got injured. The left back is currently with Strasbourg after joining from Chelsea over the summer. The report adds that the French side are keen on keeping him, but with his contract up in 2027, a lot could change.
Club needs defensive cover at this point of the season
Leeds seem to be hell bent on adding firepower in their fight for survival. And even though there is a glaring need to get a potent goalscorer up top, neglecting the defence could come back to bite them. Joe Rodon’s recent injury showed how thin the depth at the back is, and now with Gudmundsson out, an injury to James Justin could see the team scrambling to find another option at left back. The 49ers need to search the market for proper alternatives and plug such a hole in the team before it becomes a problem.
