What a difference a month makes. After the agonising last-gasp defeat at Manchester City on November 29, Leeds had lost four in a row, six of the last seven and were 18th, staring down the barrel. Five games later they are yet to lose again, and are seven points clear of the drop zone.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the catalyst, scoring in every game since finding the net at the Etihad Stadium and making himself an outside candidate for England‘s World Cup squad next summer.
The five-game unbeaten run has included a win over Chelsea, a fightback to draw with Liverpool and thrashing Crystal Palace. But that gap to the relegation places could close up quickly if West Ham get their act together or Burnley go on a run, and Leeds fans will be keen to see reinforcements in January.
So who’s coming in? Who might leave? And is there enough money to spend to keep Leeds in the top flight? Here, our Leeds expert SIMON JONES reveals all you need to know about the next month.
1. What do Leeds need to do in January?
Leeds tried in the final throes of the summer transfer window to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham and still want a player of that ilk – a creative No 10 who can pop up on either flank.
They would also like cover or an upgrade at striker, a mobile one, if such a player exists on their budget for January.
Leeds tried in the final throes of the summer transfer window to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham and still want a player of that ilk
Former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott (third right), hero of Ireland’s World Cup campaign, has admirers among the backroom staff but also has strong interest from the Bundesliga
The recruitment department have put out to agents that they want players who are ‘ready to make an impact’. Such is the need to avoid a relegation battle; Leeds can’t afford too much time waiting on new arrivals to bed in.
Fortunately, their form of late has given them a fighting chance of staying up, and five more wins may be enough to see off the challenge from West Ham and Burnley. Joe Rodon’s ankle injury could prompt a look for defensive cover just to be safe though.
2. Do they have money to spend?
After spending £100million in the summer, managing director Robbie Evans explained Leeds are maxing out their PSR limitations this season. Bringing in Wilson in August would have necessitated a sale.
The preference, while still unsure of their Premier League status, is to find a loan with option or obligation. However, Leeds can find around £20-£25m for the right player on a permanent transfer.
That player would ideally be 25 or under to conform with their purchase profile but they would look at older for loans and pragmatic window opportunities.
They may get a small bonus from a 15 per cent sell-on clause attached to Charlie Cresswell, their former defender at Toulouse, who West Ham are keen on.
Leeds may get a small bonus from a 15 per cent sell-on clause attached to Charlie Cresswell, their former defender at Toulouse, who West Ham are keen on
Union Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi (right), who is out of contract in the summer, is one centre back they like
3. Who are they targeting?
Wilson is still admired. His contract is up in the summer, and he has yet to agree new terms, but would Fulham sell to potential relegation rivals Leeds now?
Sevilla’s Swiss international Ruben Vargas, who Celtic tried to sign last year, is another the club have discussed, as are Nottingham Forest’s James McAtee and Martin Baturina of Como.
Scouts have also watched a trio of FC Midtjylland youngsters – Aral Simsir, Mikel Gogorza and Dario Osorio. Simsir, 23, plays as a forward and has seven goals this season, while 19-year-old left winger Gogorza has eight goals in 11 Denmark Under 19s caps and Osorio is a right winger who already has 21 senior caps for Chile at the age of 21.
Former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott at AZ Alkmaar has some admirers among the backroom staff but also has strong interest from Stuttgart and others in the Bundesliga. Lazio’s Valentin Castellanos has been offered but seems unlikely at this stage while Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has been touted too but that has not moved.
Union Berlin’s Dutch 27-year-old Danilho Doekhi, who is out of contract in the summer, is one centre back they like while Chelsea’s Axel Disasi has been put forward too. Hibernian’s in-form midfielder Josh Mulligan, 23, is one they like but are more keen on a summer move.
With an eye on the future, Leeds are also signing 15-year-old Irish forward prospect Kai Morrall from Liverpool.
Turkish 23-year-old forward Aral Samsir is one of a trio of Midtjylland youngsters being watched by Leeds scouts
Mikel Gogorza (centre) is a 19-year-old left winger for Midtjylland and has eight goals in 11 games for Denmark’s Under 19s
Dario Osorio (left), a 21-year-old right winger, is also on Leeds scouts’ radar
4. How have their summer signings fared so far?
Calvert-Lewin left Everton with aspirations to sign for the likes of AC Milan. He was leaving his agent and, as he waited for the more prestigious names, Leeds made their pitch. It was a gamble for Leeds sporting director Adam Underwood, indeed on both parts, but so far, it looks the signing of the season.
AC Milan have since turned to West Ham flop Niclas Fullkrug while Calvert-Lewin is staking a late claim for Tuchel’s World Cup squad, providing he maintains form and stays fit, having scored eight goals so far.
Left back Gabriel Gudmundsson, who arrived from Lille, has also adapted well and been unfazed by Farke’s switch to 3-5-2.
Goalkeeper Lucas Perri has made some vital saves yet his distribution still needs to improve. Jaka Bijol had a shaky start but has been steadier in a back three.
Sebastiaan Bornauw has struggled to find any rhythm after a few injuries. James Justin has been a reliable understudy while Anton Stach started off well before being hindered by a rib injury but now looks to be finding his feet.
Sean Longstaff made a great start but has tailed off prior to picking up an injury. Noah Okafor has offered a lot of attacking threat but needs to improve his defensive side and Lukas Nmecha has won over the fans with his willingness to run, but a hamstring injury has been a concern.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been unstoppable in recent weeks and is up to eight goals for the season
Joel Piroe (right) may push to move after limited game time with Ipswich and Leicester keen, while Fiorentina have an interest in winger Wilfried Gnonto (centre)
5. And who might leave?
Harry Gray, brother of Spurs’ Archie, is an exciting 17-year-old forward who Manchester City have been taking a look at but could yet go on loan to Barnsley initially to gain vital experience. Derby also have loan interest.
Daniel Farke wants to keep his squad intact, but forward Joel Piroe may push to move after limited game time with Ipswich and Leicester keen, while Fiorentina have an interest in winger Wilfried Gnonto.
The problem is that the Italians, who are looking to appoint Spurs’ Fabio Paratici as sporting director, are unlikely to offer more than a loan at this stage and that would be pointless to Leeds.
Valencia would like to sign Jack Harrison but there are doubts over whether they have the finances to complete a deal. Players out of contract at the end of the season who they could field offers for include goalkeepers Illan Meslier, Alex Cairns and Karl Darlow, and left back Sam Byram.
