Leeds United are expected to try and bring a new face or two in the January window with Daniel Farke’s side still light in the final third, and one option is Coventry City’s Haji Wright.
Brenden Aaronson, Wright’s USMNT teammate, has started the last six Premier League games. While he did score against West Ham, Aaronson’s presence in the starting line-up highlights Leeds’ lack of depth.
With Dan James, Noah Okafor, Lukas Nmecha, and Willy Gnonto all suffering injuries already this season, Leeds need more options in attack. Players who can come on and make a difference, or can even start.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s hold-up play is second to none, but the England international has only scored one goal for Leeds, missing plenty of chances. The latest name linked with Leeds is Coventry’s Wright.
Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesMatt Jensen orders Haji Wright to ignore January move
Wright has been magnificent for Coventry under Frank Lampard this season. Having won back his place in Mauricio Pochettino’s USA side, he has nine goals in 13 for Coventry and another two for his country.
LeedsUnited.News insider Graeme Bailey says Leeds are keeping tabs on Wright before January, despite the club sitting on the PSR border. Earlier this month, former Coventry star Matt Jensen discussed Wright.
He told GOAL that Wright should ignore a move in January ahead of the 2026 World Cup: “Yeah [he should avoid leaving Coventry in January], and he is doing really well for Coventry,” Jensen claimed.
“You don’t want any disruption ahead of the World Cup. He’s got a really good chance of promotion with Coventry, and going to the World Cup on the back of that. Full of confidence, see where that takes him.”
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Haji Wright move could all depend on Joel Piroe’s Leeds future
Currently, Leeds have numbers when it comes to centre-forwards. While Calvert-Lewin might not be as prolific as he wants to be, he is easily first choice. Behind him, Nmecha and Piroe are providing back-up.
But the defeat to Arsenal shows Piroe is not the type of striker Leeds need at the moment, in the fight against the drop. More of a fox in the box and a poacher, Piroe isn’t the type to contribute to other areas.
Calvert-Lewin does that and Nmecha showed he can against Newcastle. Wright’s pace and strength are the kind of striker Leeds require, but only if Piroe exits in January. Piroe’s agents are preparing for a move.
Whether Leeds allow Piroe to leave remains to be seen. But if the club was to sign Wright in January, the chances are a transfer fee could be north of £15m and Leeds will have to sell more than Piroe to afford it.