Leeds United must sign five new players in January to avoid Premier League relegation – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Leeds United must welcome a flurry of new players in January to ensure they preserve their Premier League status, according to Paul Robinson.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side has been ravaged by injuries this season and Patrick Bamford’s absence is set to continue for the foreseeable future with no timeframe put on his return from an ankle issue.
Leeds have struggled for goals this season due to Bamford’s absence and while Robinson wants a new striker signed in January, he also wants other areas of the squad bolstered too.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News this week, Robinson said: “Joe Gelhardt was exceptional at the weekend but he’s not the same player as Patrick Bamford and Leeds’ system relies on someone who plays the way Bamford does. Leeds haven’t got an out-and-out number nine without Bamford.
“They’ve had three, possibly four, transfer windows to sign a player of similar ilk to Patrick so that when he doesn’t play, they can have a direct replacement. But they haven’t done that in the same way they haven’t done it with Kalvin Phillips.
“They’ve missed out in the transfer window and to ensure Premier League stability, they need an experienced goalkeeper as back-up, they need a full-back, they need a defensive and central midfielder and they need cover for Bamford.
“Leeds need to sign five players in January to ensure they’re going to stay in the Premier League because they’ve proven they can’t cope with the number of injuries.
“Bamford’s injury has been kept very quiet but it just shows with the number of chances and goals they’re scoring, they’re relying on Raphinha.”
Bamford made five Premier League appearances for Leeds before his ankle injury in September, scoring once and supplying two assists in those games.
Bielsa has famously avoided doing much transfer business in January but unless the injury issues at Elland Road get better, he and Victor Orta may be forced into adding to the squad.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has dropped a Marcelo Bielsa exit verdict amid recent speculation.