Credit: Imago/Breaking Media

Jacob Raw

Thu 1 January 2026 6:00, UK

Leeds United are in for an extremely busy month of business in the January transfer window.

Daniel Farke is trying to keep Leeds in the Premier League, and to do so, he may ask the 49ers for a few favours.

The Whites have had an up-and-down season so far, and Farke has had his share of criticism along the way.

However, the Leeds boss seems to have come out the end of a rough spell at LS11, as all signs point towards the German being backed in the January window.

As the winter market is now open, MOT Leeds News takes a look at every single player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks.

Leeds’ attacking targets

The forward area is by far the department that has been targeted the most by Leeds heading into the January window.

Lazio’s Valentin Castellanos has been heavily linked to Leeds, with a suggested £21.8million move in recent weeks. Other strong striker links surround the likes of Gonzalo Garcia, Josh Sargent, and Troy Parrott.

Leeds have also been credited with interest in Sevilla’s £17.5million-rated winger Ruben Vargas.

Additional wide forwards that have been strongly tipped for a move to Elland Road this month include Tyrique George, Manor Solomon, Harry Wilson, and Raheem Sterling.

Further attackers that Leeds have recently been linked with:

• Franculino Dju – FC Midtjylland
• Facundo Buonanotte – Brighton (on loan at Chelsea)
• Jens Petter Hauge – Bodo/Glimt
• Martin Baturina – Como
• Terem Moffi – OGC Nice
• Ayase Ueda – Feyenoord
• Sebastian Tounekti – Celtic
• Shea Lacey – Manchester United
• Haji Wright – Coventry City
• James McAtee – Nottingham Forest

AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez has been struggling for minutes in Serie A, and the Italian giants are open to letting him leave with Leeds’ interest present.

However, given the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Whites may think twice about splashing too much cash on a new centre-forward.

But with Leeds changing to a 3-5-2 formation lately, there may be more of a focus on midfield signings, with plenty already in Farke’s thinking.

Leeds’ midfield targets

Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a sensational Leeds return, as the Englishman is still struggling for any minutes with Manchester City.

But the Whites also have their sights set on Al Hilal’s Ruben Neves, with the former Wolves man open to a Premier League return.

Hibernian’s Josh Mulligan has caught the attention of Leeds’ recruitment team, and the young midfielder could be brought to Elland Road to provide competition for the likes of Anton Stach and Ao Tanaka.

Leeds are eyeing an ambitious move for Lorenzo Pellegrini, who has been a regular starter for Italian giants Roma for the past eight seasons.

The 29-year-old could be available for free in the summer, so Roma are keen to sell him in January, as the playmaker is thought to be keen on a move to LS11.

Leeds haven’t neglected their defensive targets either.

• Read more: Leeds United January transfer window guide: Who Daniel Farke could sign, who could be sold and deadline day explained

Leeds’ defensive targets; including Ilan Meslier replacement

Leeds have been tipped with a move to sign Danilho Doekhi from Union Berlin, with the centre-back impressing in the Bundesliga for four seasons now.

Natan of Real Betis is an option that the Peacocks have in mind, as well as Chibuike Mwaiwu from Austrian outfit Wolfsberger AC.

Leeds’ defence is performing very well at the moment, so any new signings would have to force their way into Farke’s starting lineups.

Illan Meslier is nearing a Leeds exit after falling out of favour at Elland Road, and LOSC Lille’s Lisandru Olmeta could be his long-term replacement.

It’s going to be a long old month for the Whites, with plenty of twists and turns awaiting, but it’s undoubtedly the most exciting time to be a Leeds fan.

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