The annual January rush for fresh blood is just over a week away, with the transfer window opening on Saturday, January 2.
Marcelo Bielsa will undoubtedly be looking for timely additions to his squad, with a whole slew of names already heavily linked to a move to Elland Road.
14 appearances in the campaign Leeds sits comfortably in 14th, seven points out of the relegation zone and more than likely looking at the table rather than nervously over his shoulder.
Bielsa’s side delighted neutral viewers with their attacking style of play, but white fans themselves would likely appreciate not conceding so many goals.
FULL TIME: Man Utd 6-2 #LUFC
– Leeds United (@LUFC) December 20, 2020
The goal-fest specialists have only been involved in a draw and have the worst defensive record in the league. Their 6-2 fight against Manchester United saw their total conceded goals rise to 30, an average of more than two per game.
Their attacking play is unlikely to save them from relegation, however, if they continue to defend in this manner. Defensive reinforcements must be a necessity for Bielsa who, despite his insistence on attacking football, would surely like to see fewer goals conceded.
Here are some signings that would help secure their Premier League status in the second half of the season.
The Whites had been linked with Arsenal’s Rob Holding all summer and had supposedly agreed personal terms with him, before Mikel Arteta ended the deal.
Holding has since played its way in favor of its manager, which means that a move now seems unlikely. However, a more realistic transfer target could be Fikayo Tomori.
The Chelsea center-half had a breakout season last campaign and impressed in his 15 outings. However this season, with the arrival of Thiago Silva and Frank Lampard’s clear preference for Kurt Zouma at the heart of his defense, playing time has been severely limited for the young England international.
A move to Leeds for the remainder of the season could be a welcome fix for everyone involved, as Leeds would bolster their defensive ranks with a towering, pacy defender to help less mobile Liam Cooper.
Left-back is another area the Yorkshire club need to strengthen, with Leeds being linked with Norwegian Frederick Andre Bjorkan through Teamtalk.
Bielsa would undoubtedly appreciate buying a naturally left full-back, with natural wingers Stuart Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski having to play out of their position at the back so far this campaign.
The 22-year-old is said to leave Bodo Glimt on a high, having made all 30 league appearances in his title season this year, finishing a whopping 19 points ahead of second-placed Molde.
That said, Leeds should probably consider defensive reinforcements, it’s no surprise that they’ve been linked with attackers galore.
Michael Olise has been one of Reading’s many impressive performers this season, scoring four and assisting seven in the league so far. This is all the more impressive given that the Frenchman was only 19 this month.
This signing would undoubtedly be one for the future, and with Liverpool also interested, it would be a signal of their intention to stay in the Premier League for years to come.
He is said to have a £ 8million release clause and could play on the frontline. Sounds like an amateur.
A 90-minute exclusive has already revealed Leeds’ interest in signing Spain international Adama Traore from Wolves.
Goalless or assists so far this season, although he has appeared in every league game for the Midlands club, the Spaniard’s season has yet to take off.
With the 24-year-old’s contract expiring in 2023, Wolves (increasingly annoyed by the lack of progress in contract talks) are unlikely to sanction a loan and it would come cheap for Bielsa.
With his performing offensive players, in the form of Patrick Bamford, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison, the undoubtedly high fees could perhaps be better spent elsewhere, but what a signing it would be.
