Three Leeds stars who should be sweating over their starting spots ahead of January transfer window
Leeds will be eyeing up the January transfer window to add to their talented squad.
Daniel Farke will be thrilled with his side’s five-match unbeaten run, and Leeds’ 1-1 draw with Sunderland on Sunday highlighted their progression in recent weeks.
Dominic Clavert-Lewin is on fire up front, while Ethan Ampadu has excelled at the heart of midfield.
Leeds are now seven points clear of the relegation zone, and are in a great position with 20 games remaining in their league campaign.
But, with the January transfer window opening within days, who does Farke need to consider replacing in his starting line-up?
Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson joined Leeds in 2022, yet he has failed to fulfil his full potential, having arrived with great promise from RB Salzburg.
Aaronson has been slammed for his performances, with fans adamant that he isn’t a Premier League-level player.
Farke has always had a soft spot for Aaronson, who made 47 appearances last season, although the 24-year-old has been guilty of missing several clear-cut chances since he arrived in LS11.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022-23 | 42 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023-24 (Union Berlin – loan) | 38 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024-25 | 47 | 9 | 2 |
| 2025-26 | 18 | 1 | 2 |
The USA international has often snatched at shots and panicked on the ball in the final third, and Leeds need someone with cutting edge when going forward.
Given the fact that he is small, and the Whites thrive off attacking set-pieces, his position in the team is definitely up for contention.
It must be said that he was impressive against Sunderland, providing the assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser, but more may be needed consistently.
However, given that Harry Wilson was linked with a move to Leeds in the summer, and Sean Longstaff is set to return from injury in the upcoming weeks, the future looks bleak for Aaronson.
Jayden Bogle
Jayden Bogle has been exposed at times at right-back this season and looks out of depth when the defence is struggling around him.
Against Sunderland, he missed a gilt-edged chance at the far post and failed to instil any confidence in his defence.
Simon Adingra got the better of him on multiple occasions, and unlike Gabriel Gudmundsson, he has struggled to adapt to the versatile nature of the wing-back position.
James Justin was expected to play a starting role in the Premier League, and some credit must go to Bogle for fighting for his position.
Regardless of this, Farke and the 49ers must be aware of how a right-back could be needed to elevate the levels of the team.
Noah Okafor
Although the Switzerland international impressed in the early parts of the season, he is on a barren spell in front of goal.
Noah Okafor’s strike against Tottenham on 4 October is the last time he registered a goal involvement for the Whites, with the run being stretched to 10 matches after the Sunderland draw.
Leeds are linked to Ruben Vargas, Terem Moffi, and several other attacking players who all have a point to prove in the top flight.
Okafor will also begin to face competition from Lukas Nmecha, who has struggled to maintain a consistent level of fitness but has looked deadly in front of goal.
If the goals don’t come soon, Farke will undoubtedly think of dropping Okafor for someone who is guaranteed to make an impact alongside Calvert-Lewin.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @motleedsnews