Leeds United to complete out-of-window midfielder transfer, he’s set to sign
Leeds United didn’t manage to get a single piece of business done on deadline day as their winter transfer window drew to an underwhelming close.
Daniel Farke was eager to bring in a goalkeeper to improve his squad, but the Whites were unable to find a suitable option.
Karl Darlow made a big error in Leeds’ 4-0 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, off the back of several Lucas Perri mistakes at the start of January.
While the Elland Road outfit were unable to address their concerns in between the sticks before the deadline passed, they are now set to complete a different move outside of the transfer window.
Leeds on verge of signing Manchester United youngster
Facundo Buonanotte’s loan move to Elland Road from Brighton was Leeds’ only senior signing of the winter transfer window.
The West Yorkshire side also brought in Leonard Ngenge from Nigerian outfit Remo Stars FC, but the 18-year-old will join up with the academy.
According to Leeds Live, the Whites are set to bolster their youth ranks further with the signing of Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher from Manchester United.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has made seven appearances for Man United’s under-18s this season but has not featured since November.
Ibrovic-Fletcher is capped at under-19 level for Serbia, and his move to Leeds is expected to be confirmed imminently, with youth players not bound by the transfer window.
Daniel Farke faces huge challenge after transfer window
While the signing of Ibrovic-Fletcher is a positive for the future, it won’t help Leeds’ prospects of staying in the Premier League this season.
Farke’s side are six points clear of the relegation zone as it stands, and in a very good position to avoid the drop, but they could come to regret not making more decisive moves in the transfer market.
The German boss now faces a difficult challenge to fight off a rejuvenated West Ham United, who have strengthened considerably over the last month.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could very quickly close that six-point gap over the next few weeks, so Leeds will have to continue picking up results.
The Elland Road outfit take on Nottingham Forest on Friday, in what is another crucial game in their Premier League survival hunt, with Sean Dyche’s side only behind them on goal difference.
Stay up to date this winter with our Leeds transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Elland Road, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.