Leeds United are bracing themselves for a challenging January transfer window as they battle to maintain their Premier League status. Daniel Farke’s men are currently in 16th place but have demonstrated that they can compete with the division’s top teams.
Impressive performances this campaign include holding reigning champions Liverpool to a 3-3 draw and thrashing FA Cup winners Crystal Palace 4-1. The club have established a comfortable six-point cushion above the drop zone, though the coming weeks will prove crucial both in terms of results and squad planning. Farke recently confirmed there is “no indication anyone wants to leave” during the winter window.
However, should Leeds wish to bring in reinforcements, player departures may prove necessary to facilitate any incoming business. Here, the Express Sport has mapped out what an ideal January transfer window might look like for the club.
Statement signing
While Dominic Calvert-Lewin has impressed with seven strikes in 16 outings, Leeds may require additional attacking options. Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda could provide the perfect solution.
The Japanese striker has netted an impressive 19 times in 25 matches this term, catching the eye of numerous suitors. According to talkSPORT, a “midtable club” could make their move for Ueda either in January or during the summer, with Leeds emerging as an ideal destination.
Reports suggest a club from the Premier League’s lower ranks could swoop for the player who has “Leeds written all over him.”
Whilst Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha are fronting the forward line, questions remain over whether the squad possesses the depth required for a gruelling season-long campaign.
Leeds could put Robin van Persie’s commitment to the test with a January bid, as Feyenoord may find a substantial fee difficult to reject.
Premier League winner joins on loan
After missing out on summer targets Facundo Buonanotte (Chelsea) and Harry Wilson (Fulham), Farke might explore a temporary deal to inject fresh creativity into the attack.
Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling finds himself frozen out under Enzo Maresca, having yet to feature this term for the Blues. A departure appears inevitable, whether in January or at the end of the season.
The ex-Premier League champion commands eye-watering wages of £400,000 per week at Stamford Bridge, meaning Chelsea would need to subsidise a considerable portion of his salary.
Sterling’s wealth of top-flight and European experience could prove invaluable to the squad, whilst offering crucial mentorship to rising talents such as Wilfried Gnonto.
Meslier departs
Illan Meslier has slipped to third in the pecking order behind Lucas Perri and Karl Darlow. With his deal set to expire in June 2026, this represents Leeds’ final opportunity to secure a transfer fee.
This could be the catalyst for a busy January transfer window. Securing a new home for Meslier would free up wages, enabling Farke to recruit players primed for first-team action.
Italian heavyweights Juventus and Inter Milan have reportedly shown interest in the goalkeeper who has yet to make his season debut. With Milan’s top keeper Yann Sommer’s contract expiring in the summer, they might be scouting for his successor sooner rather than later.
It seems likely that the Frenchman will bid farewell to Elland Road in the near future.