Leeds United are in a good position to stay up but cannot be complacent with the January transfer window set to give them an excellent chance to secure their place in the top-flight
Isaac Seelochan Senior Sports Journalist
04:00, 31 Dec 2025
Ruben Neves has been linked with a transfer to Leeds United(Image: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
Leeds United travel to Liverpool on New Year’s Day as they look to climb further clear of the bottom three.
However, Daniel Farke’s side will be without defensive mainstay Joe Rodon, who has started the last 104 league games, through an ankle injury. Farke will therefore need to rethink his back-line plans ahead of the trip to Anfield.
Leeds may like their chances on Merseyside with Liverpool not being the same side as last season. It was also only a few weeks ago that the Whites scored three past them, although Arne Slot’s have picked up form of late and travelling to Anfield is never easy.
Some of Leeds’ focus may be on the January transfer window, which opens on January 1. Below are some of the latest Leeds transfer rumours and a view on each one…
Doekhi ‘looked at’
Leeds are reportedly open to the possibility of signing a centre-back in January. Sky Sports report that bringing in a forward remains the priority and the Whites are expecting at least one arrival.
Farke has said the change in formation to 3-5-2 “slightly” affects their transfer plans and Rodon’s injury has left Leeds with only three recognised centre-backs. It is therefore claimed that Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi, out of contract in the summer, is one of the centre-backs Leeds’ recruitment team have looked at, although it has not progressed any further at this stage.
LeedsLive says: “It’s clear that Farke’s decision to play with a back-three means that the Whites will need a new centre-back – even if it’s a short-term loan. Leeds can’t take any chances with not strengthening, even if they are in a good position to stay up.
If they can sign Doekhic for a relatively cheap fee in Janaury, it may be worth doing. Their summer Bundesliga signings have worked well so far, and Leeds need defensive reinforcements.”
Neves ‘enquiry’
Leeds have reportedly enquired about former Wolves star and current Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. However, talkSPORT claim that the Saudi side have tabled a fresh and improved two-year contract for him.
It is said that although Al Hilal would prefer him to stay put, the club is prepared to listen to offers of £15million or more should Neves choose not to sign a new deal.
Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Leeds(Image: Getty Images)
They claim that should the latter transpire, several Premier League clubs are understood to be monitoring the situation – including Leeds.
LeedsLive says: “Signing Neves would be a no-brainer for Leeds. Having his Premier League experience in midfield feels like it could almost guarantee safety.
“Neves would provide another source of goals from midfield, having scored five in 17 appearances for Al-Hilal already this season, and his excellent passing range could be the perfect ammunition for Leeds’ strikers.”
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