Leeds United January transfer plans already binned after what Angus Kinnear said
Daniel Farke must have been hoping for quite an exciting January transfer window after suffering multiple injuries to star players at Leeds United.
The manager has been without Dan James and Largie Ramazani for parts of the 2024/25 campaign, but the blows to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev have been far more crucial to the squad.
Rather, they would have been critical injuries if it were not for Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell coming in to save the day, but it could be a very different story in the second half of the season if any other long-term injuries rear their ugly heads.
The Whites have already made a “bold attempt” to sign Manchester City’s James McAtee, with the Premier League champions open to a £20million transfer fee in January [CaughtOffside].
Of course, a loan deal would make much more sense to the Championship side, though it remains to be seen if Man City would come to the same conclusion amidst quite the transfer battle for the midfielder.
In addition to McAtee, Burnley’s Josh Brownhill has emerged as one of the latest targets at Elland Road, with the 29-year-old’s current deal at Turf Moor expiring at the end of the season [TBR Football].
Angus Kinnear clamps down on Leeds United transfer plans
Supporters have every right to get excited ahead of the January transfer window, especially when names such as those above are mentioned in multiple reports.
However, chief executive Angus Kinnear may have already scuppered any hope of an active transfer market for the Whites after his recent comments on the squad.
Speaking at the SAB meeting on 5 November, the minutes for which were published on Wednesday (20 November): “AK says there is a real confidence and togetherness in the squad at the minute.
“Game against Plymouth was a good example of how the team wants to dominate, whilst also able to rotate and bring youth through.”
In one sense, Kinnear is right. There is a real togetherness within the squad, but when so many injuries are occurring at Elland Road, there is no other option but to be supportive of one another.
If Leeds are to gain promotion to the Premier League this campaign, one season after missing out via the play-offs, a few new faces in January could make all the difference. Kinnear could need persuading, though.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke has provided an injury update on Largie Ramazani ahead of the Swansea City clash.
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