Leeds United receive huge survival boost after hearing who could leave West Ham
Leeds United have accelerated their chance of surviving in the Premier League since the start of December, and now they will be even more confident about staying up.
From being doomed in the battle for survival to posting a seven-match unbeaten run, Leeds have pulled eight points clear of the bottom three.
Including impressive wins over Crystal Palace and Chelsea, the Whites have been transformed under Daniel Farke, and most of that is down to their switch to a 3-5-2 formation.
Although Leeds were beaten 4-3 by Newcastle United last week in an all-time Premier League classic, their recent resurgence has filled supporters with confidence that retaining their status is on the cards.
West Ham set to lose Lucas Paqueta
In a bid to avoid being dragged back into the battle, Farke will want to hold onto his best players in the January window, while addressing key areas of his squad.
Leeds are closing in on a permanent move for defender Danilho Doekhi from Union Berlin, with the centre-back potentially becoming their first signing of the window.
As well as Doekhi, the Yorkshire outfit are looking for attacking additions, perhaps bolstering the creativity in their number 10 position.
PSR has limited how much they can spend this month, but it may not matter in the context of their season, as relegation rivals West Ham are suffering.
Although the Hammers have signed two new centre-forwards, Felipe and former Leeds target Taty Castellanos, they’re also set to lose one of their best players in Lucas Paqueta.
According to Sky Sports, Paqueta has informed Nuno Espirito Santo that he wants to exit the London Stadium and join Flamengo.
| Lucas Paqueta’s West Ham record |
| 139 appearances |
| 23 goals |
| 15 assists |
This potential transfer will deal a huge blow to West Ham’s survival chances, as the Brazil international is a crucial piece to their puzzle.
Paqueta is arguably their second-most important player behind Jarrod Bowen, and the 28-year-old is one of only few in their squad who can produce a moment of magic to win a game.
How many more points do Leeds need for survival
Leeds fans will be pleased to know that a relegation rival are potentially losing one of their best players, and that only strengthens their position.
Farke’s side are currently eight points clear of the bottom three on 22 points, and according to the data, will only need another 14 points to confirm their top-flight status.
That is because, since the Premier League switched to a 20-team division in 1995/96, the average number of points needed for survival is 35.53 – rounded up to 36.
Also, no team in the last nine seasons have earned 36 points and been relegated, meaning four wins and two draws – or the equivalent to that total – would be enough for Leeds.