Joe Gelhardt now destined for Leeds United exit, replacement already lined up
Daniel Farke has some interesting decisions to make ahead of the January transfer window as Leeds United target promotion back to the Premier League.
One of the biggest players to be linked with a move away from Elland Road next month is Ao Tanaka, purely based on how well he has performed in the absences of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev.
The Whites are unlikely to let the Japan international leave so soon after joining, especially at this stage in the season, but Joe Gelhardt looks dead-set on finding a new challenge elsewhere.
MOT Leeds News previously reported that the 22-year-old is frustrated with his lack of game time under Farke and wants to seal a loan move during the January transfer window.
He has only played nine minutes in the Championship this season, falling down the pecking order behind Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford, with others able to play through the middle if needed.
Leeds United to immediately replace Joe Gelhardt in January
While Farke clearly has no need to keep Gelhardt, he must ensure not to dull the tip of his attacking spear, and add to his squad in January rather than take away.
And according to TEAMtalk [11 December], Leeds are interested in signing Louie Barry from Aston Villa, with the Premier League club expected to recall him from Stockport County [TEAMtalk].
The 21-year-old has been in incredible form for the League One outfit since the summer, notching 14 goals and one assist in 19 matches, and could be a game-killer for Leeds in the second half of the campaign.
Farke must ensure he does everything to take his squad back to the Premier League this term, having missed out by the narrowest of margins last time, and they are in the perfect position to do so.
They are just one point behind league leaders Sheffield United after 20 matches, and if Barry were to be added to the attacking lineup, the team could be unstoppable this season.
In other Leeds United news, a January transfer decision already looks to have been made on an “important” loan star after what Daniel Farke said.
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