Leeds United January Window Update Issued
Leeds United are not expected to make any significant changes to their squad in the upcoming January window, according to journalist Phil Hay from The Athletic
Following relegation from the Premier League, Leeds’ summer entailed a heavy transition for the club which saw the club’s sale to American investment group 49ers Enterprises, alongside the appointment of two-time Championship winning manager Daniel Farke.
Additionally, the transfer front saw heavy activity on both fronts from the West Yorkshire club as 16 players departed the club, including last season’s top scorer Rodrigo as well as USA international duo Brendan Aaronson and Tyler Adams. However, only four of these departures were permanent due to loan clauses being triggered following their relegation in May – with Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Robin Koch and Rasmus Kristensen amongst the names still on the books at Elland Road.
Due to the time frame of the 49ers takeover, large parts of the Whites’ incomings happened during the latter stages of the transfer window, with most of their new recruits joining with the season underway.
Despite leaving it late, Leeds were able to recruit a wealth of top-end Championship performers. With promotion experience already in the Elland Road dugout, United recruited a multitude of high-end Championship performers as Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe and Djed Spence made their moves to West Yorkshire. Most surprisingly, Leeds were able to recruit Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara on permanent deals – both having performed in European competitions for RB Leipzig and Rangers respectively.
After a busy window, Leeds are reportedly settled with their current squad and will not look towards any wholesale changes within their first-team squad in the upcoming January window – with firm belief throughout the club that there is a credible option in each position in the first-team.
According to Hay via an article by The Athletic, a quiet winter period is expected;
“As it stands, Leeds’ requirements in January are unlikely to be vast. The overhaul of their squad after relegation from the Premier League moved Farke to the point of having two credible options for each position, give or take a couple of exceptions.”
Writer’s View
Leeds have an incredible squad for the Championship. Even turning away from an impressive string of incomings, the retention of players such an Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter and Daniel James has made them a tough prospect for any opposition side.
Therefore, it is not surprising to hear that they are not looking to make any drastic changes to their squad. After a difficult start to the season, Leeds seem to have clicked in recent weeks. This current squad is capable of challenging for the automatic promotion spaces despite Ipswich Town currently being nine points ahead of the West Yorkshire outfit in second.
