Leeds United don’t have much room at all in the January window to make a big splash for incomings, so the only way for big fees to be possible is through exits.

United are two games away from the January window opening, and remain ‘on course’ for survival with one point-per-game under Daniel Farke.

Every side around United will be viewing this January window as absolutely vital to survival chances. Leeds ought to be no different, but face financial obstacles.

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Can Leeds United afford big-money January transfers next month?

The question I constantly hear and read is: why can’t Leeds spend and show the same ambition as Sunderland?

It’s quite simple. Leeds have spent more across this current three-year PSR cycle, and weren’t able to sell assets like Sunderland did in the summer following promotion.

Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has masterminded a stunning return to the Premier League with smart transfer strategy. (REUTERS/David Klein)

The Black Cats banked £37million from two players that weren’t even guaranteed starters. Leeds would only have been able to muster that income through letting a vital player leave.

As a result, Leeds are ‘unequivocally maxed out’ on their PSR spending until June 30th. Their only way to change that to bankroll permanent signings in the new year is a player exit or two.

Graham Smyth shares update on Leeds United January transfer exits to fuel spending

If Leeds don’t have any leeway for arrivals, the question has to be asked of whether anyone is currently looking to be on their way out.

However, the YEP’s Graham Smyth has revealed that United aren’t currently on their way to securing any player exits at this stage.

“With the club’s Profitability and Sustainability position already being tight, loan signings are more likely than permanent additions.

“For Leeds to engage in more significant expenditure they would need to sell in January or prior to the PSR reporting deadline at the end of June. The YEP understands there are currently no outgoing sales pending for the mid-season market, but that could of course change.”

Leeds United need to consider sales if they want a beneficial January transfer window

Of course, we’ve got half a month until the January window, so plenty could change in the meantime.

That being said, there should be some players already earmarked for an exit during the winter transfer window. Some are simply not valuable at this moment to our survival bid.

Leeds United duo Jack Harrison and Joel Piroe could be looking at January exits. (REUTERS/Scott Heppell)

The most valuable asset is clearly Joel Piroe. Away at Brentford, we needed a goal and he was overlooked from the bench, another damning development for his Premier League prospects at Elland Road.

Then, you’ve got Illan Meslier. We all know he’s going to leave in 2026. So, if we can facilitate his exit before a contract expiry, it boosts the coffers both with a small fee. Not only that, but it would see his wages being struck from the books.

Jack Harrison could be another we cash in on, if anyone fancies taking the bait. But, his wages represent an issue most likely.

Read more: 3 Martin Baturina alternatives Leeds United must be considering.