Paul Robinson: Leeds fans may not see major January signings until end of February
Paul Robinson has insisted that new Leeds United signings in January need to be ready to start within days of arriving.
The ex-Whites stopper has called for numerous signings at Elland Road next month, with the transfer window set to open on Saturday.
With Marcelo Bielsa’s methods taking some time to get used to, Robinson warned we may not see new faces in the squad until the end of February.
“January is a notoriously difficult window to bring in any players,” he exclusively told MOT Leeds News.
“We’ve seen it has taken players time to settle into the Premier League, and Leeds aren’t in a situation where they can give a player six months to adapt.
“I personally don’t think Leeds are in a position where they can take a chance on a player who may need six to 12 months to bed in.
“They need players who they know are going to be fit, that they know can come straight into the team.
“Bielsa gives them two to three weeks, at least, before even thinking about putting them into the squad or the starting XI because of the work they have to put into them on the training ground.
“Take that into account, you’re looking at the end of February. For Leeds to have any impact in January, they need to sign players who are days away from making a first-team appearance.”
Not good enough.
Robinson is spot on, we need players that need to make an instant impact at Elland Road given our position in the Premier League.
Looking back at previous signings in the winter window from Victor Orta, Jean-Kevin Augustin springs to mind instantly.
The Frenchman could still cost just under £20million, despite him moving on and only making three substitute appearances.
With injuries ravaging all areas of the pitch, mainly midfield, a new option in the middle of the park to come in and start making an impact instantly would be perfect – fingers crossed.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are ready to make major January signings with unexpected deals to force action