Daniel Farke’s overlooked January issue that nobody at Leeds United is talking about
Leeds United may be putting too much thought into strengthening the wrong areas this January transfer window.
Daniel Farke wants to sign new players this month, with plenty of talent being linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks.
Leeds are interested in signing forwards, but with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Brenden Aaronson firing on all cylinders, it should be the least of the Whites’ priorities.
Farke is trying to keep Leeds up, and to do so, the recruitment team must get it right this month.
Leeds need another top-level midfielder
While an extra forward will benefit Farke, his attack only needs minor tweaking, especially considering the lack of need for wingers at the moment.
Leeds‘ backline has shown promise with the likes of Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol performing well, but there have also been centre-backs tipped for an Elland Road switch this month.
However, what the Whites need is a third midfielder to go alongside Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach.
| Player | Games (starts) | Average rating |
| Ethan Ampadu | 18 (18) | 6.98 |
| Anton Stach | 19 (18) | 7.05 |
Ampadu has been at the top of his game for Leeds this season, while Stach keeps proving to be a creative spark from midfield, as both are mainstays in Farke’s lineups.
The problem lies with the players that goes next to them.
Ilia Gruev, Ao Tanaka, and Sean Longstaff are the other options that can go next to the pair, but none of them are capable of taking the Whites to the next level.
Fans would like to see exciting forwards through the doors, but another quality player in the middle of the park is arguably just as important.
- Read more: Daniel Farke to gift Leeds star curtain-closing game vs Derby as January exit speculation grows
Which midfielders have Leeds been linked with?
Kalvin Phillips has been touted for a move back to Leeds, with the Englishman still struggling for minutes ever since leaving LS11 for Manchester City back in 2022.
The 30-year-old has had stints at West Ham and Ipswich Town but has been unable to regain form and could be available on the cheap for the Whites to pick up in the window.
Phillips is more of a defensive-minded player, and with Leeds also interested in Ruben Neves, the latter could be the man to go for.
Neves was renowned for his ability to score long-range goals while in England with Wolves, as the Al Hilal star is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League
Josh Mulligan and Conor Gallagher have also been mentioned, and if none of the above are brought to Leeds in January, it may show on the field in the second half of the season.