Leeds United head into the January transfer window looking to strengthen their squad.
Daniel Farke has had the team in fine form, 29 points in the first 15 league games is a decent start. Especially when the gap is just two points behind the leaders Sheffield United and Sunderland. The Whites also missed the chance to go top days before the international break, losing to Millwall away from home. Leeds United have scored the second highest amount of goals in the league, and have the third best defensive record so far.
Daniel Farke has had to deal with multiple injuries and absences this season. He lost his first choice midfield pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev, and star signing Largie Ramazani also picked up a knee injury before the international break. Leeds have a few holes in the squad that need to be plugged heading into the January transfer window.
Let’s take a look at three players who could be the solution to the current problems at Elland Road.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Dennis Cirkin
Credit: Imago Images
A left back is not a priority for this season, but rather a necessity for the future. With Junior Firpo’s contract set to be up next summer, the club have to act fast. Sam Byram’s deal is also up in the summer, which means both options at left back outside Isaac Schmidt are on their way out. Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin is a modern attacking fullback who can overlap and chip in with important goals. Cirkin will come with a big price tag should Leeds push for a deal, but a huge investment in January could save the club for years.
James McAtee
Credit: Imago Images
Daniel Farke has been crying out for a creative number 10 since the last transfer window. Leeds missed out on Fabio Carvalho and Gustavo Hamer in the summer. Manchester City midfielder James McAtee looks like the ideal solution. Leeds do not know how long Ampadu and Gruev will be out, and Brenden Aaronson has not offered much in terms of creativity in attack. A loan deal in January would benefit all parties; McAtee has experience in the championship: he scored nine goals and had three assists for Sheffield in the 2022/23 season.
Ryan Kent
Credit: Imago Images
Wilfried Gnonto has been the best wide player at the club this season; five assists and two goals so far. Largie Ramazani has also showed signs but his injury has interrupted what was a fine start to the season. Dan James has been a solid contributor. Leeds are still lacking that one wide player with a cutting edge. Ryan Kent is still available as a free agent, his ability to dribble past players and create is quality. The club could use this ability, as Joel Piroe has really not gotten proper service in tough games.
