Leeds United fans will be eagerly awaiting news on any potential arrivals and departures in the coming weeks – and Whites correspondent, Graham Smyth, has given his say on how their transfer state of play lies.
Leeds began the Premier League season as expected, recording three wins and two draws from their opening nine games to make a real case for survival. Four defeats in a row followed that, but they’ve only lost once since the start of December and fans are almost as upbeat as they were in the 2020-21 campaign under Marcelo Bielsa.
And that has seen correspondent Smyth deliver his state of play on the window – with one player in particular being named in Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Graham Smyth: Leeds Won’t Sign Anyone ‘For the Sake of it’
The report by Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Smyth states that Leeds must exercise ‘patience’ over any January transfers before the window slams shut on Monday evening – with any deals set to go ‘to the wire’.
Leeds have made no secret of their willingness to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Jorgen Strand Larsen, and although a bid was knocked back, it hasn’t seen Leeds’ interest wane with the club remaining ‘very keen’ on a deal.
Leeds’ sources have maintained that Strand Larsen’s signing would be difficult due to PSR issues, and there is zero tolerance for the club overspending to leave themselves in a pickle.
With that in mind, Daniel Farke has been clear in that he believes that Leeds are able to be picky over who they bring in, and it’s a view shared by those in the recruitment team at Elland Road.
There won’t be any players brought in for the sake of it, but there is a cautiousness over Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness and if he does pick up an injury, it could derail Leeds’ survival bid.
Meanwhile, striker Joel Piroe has been linked with a move away from the club, but he wishes to remain at Ipswich Town, and defender Sebastiaan Bornauw could remain at Elland Road having started three of the last five games in the league.
Leeds May Need Striking Additions But Their Defence Could Save Them
Leeds are in an extremely strong position. Their draw at Everton means the Whites are six points clear of relegation, and with a goal difference that is 11 better than West Ham’s, it essentially gives Daniel Farke’s men a three-game headstart with just 15 games to go in the season.
Another four wins from their remaining 15 games would see them register 38 points, a total that hasn’t seen a relegated side down in over a decade.
Their striking conundrum will play a huge part in that, but their refusal to be beaten also makes for interesting reading. If Leeds continue doing what they are doing, they will be fine.