Three Leeds players whose futures could be decided by January, including forgotten striker

Leeds United may still have some players on their books who they failed to sell in the summer.

But there are also several individuals who now have a crucial period of time to prove their worth to Daniel Farke.

The German head coach welcomed seven new faces to Elland Road in the summer market, landing several top targets.

Players like Wilfried Gnonto, Joel Piroe and others have been let go as a result, but the Whites may have to trim their squad even further come January.

Paraag Marathe and Co. admitted they had to sell before they could buy last winter, hence the lack of activity.

That could be the cause once again this winter, as MOT Leeds News looks at three players in particular who could have their respective futures decided come the end of the January window.

Ilia Gruev playing catch-up at Leeds

Ilia Gruev suffered a season-ending meniscus injury at the end of last campaign, which is expected to keep him out until September at the earliest.

He only started 15 times for the Whites last season, with some of them coming only because of injuries elsewhere in the squad.

The Bulgarian was mooted for an exit this summer, but perhaps his injury derailed any chances of a move.

Gruev is unlikely to have played much football for Leeds come the winter window, and so a loan move at the very least is surely on the cards.

It may very well be up to the player, though, as he could be happy to play as a rotational option every now and then.

Gruev has played 86 times in total for Leeds, and will always be remembered as a hero for the role he played in the 2024-25 promotion season.

Sean Longstaff could seek more playing chances in January

Sean Longstaff started last season off as one of Farke's regular options in midfield.

However, Anton Stach and Ethan Ampadu's partnership in the middle of the park soon pushed the Englishman out of the starting eleven.

Longstaff only played eight minutes in the Premier League before the summer window shut, and looks set for even less minutes than last term, if this early trend carries on throughout the season.

The 28-year-old may seek a move for more minutes in the winter window as a result.

Forgotten striker set for January return ahead of possible exit

Mateo Joseph is a forgotten man at Elland Road.

The striker was unable to secure a move to a new club in the summer due to a knee injury he sustained while on loan with Mallorca last season.

Joseph was linked with a transfer to Wrexham ahead of the summer, but the result of his knee issue meant interested club's would prefer to wait until he's fit again.

The 22-year-old is due back in January, which could be when a permanent Leeds exit occurs, or perhaps another loan.