What do Leeds need?
The prevailing view is they need a natural number 10. Much like the tears of the ‘Widows of Bielsa’, supporters still mourn the hole left by Pablo Hernandez.
Boss Daniel Farke says he is happy with his squad and to expect a quiet January but has not ruled out a significant move if the opportunity presents itself.
Emi Buendia has been linked before but the one-time Aston Villa record signing’s arrival at Elland Road even after only playing 48 minutes of Premier League football this season seems unlikely.
What sort of business are they to do?
Another long-term injury may force their hand. Leeds have suffered from several lengthy lay-offs already this campaign, notably to first-choice midfielders Ethan Ampadu and Illia Gruev.
Another number nine would be welcome but the sum of the parts of a side that is spreading goals around the front four has meant that Joel Piroe’s nine goals in 14 league starts has compensated for Mateo Joseph’s two strikes.
How successful have they been in recent January windows?
Last January saw Burnley’s Connor Roberts arrive on loan and he proved an astute signing despite United just missing out on promotion.
The recruitment team with Nick Hammond as consultant has deservedly received a lot of plaudits for a high hit rate in both summers to date.
There have been a few changes recently with Alex Davies replacing Jordan Miles as head of recruitment but, whilst working within the required financial constraints, there is a feeling that the regime is likely to make solid decisions in the market if required, unlike the aberration that cost them tens of millions with the Jean-Kevin Augustin affair in 2020.
Are there likely to be any notable departures?
Patrick Bamford’s bench-warming makes you wonder if he will push for a move with 18 months left on his deal. The one-cap England international is on a big contract and coupled with an injury riddled past few seasons it is difficult to see who could afford the 31-year-old.
Joe Gelhardt is the other forward who has dropped off the radar. We have been told he has had a few injury concerns but, after a spell at Sunderland last year, nine minutes of Championship football this term suggests another loan would suit all concerned.
How key is the window?
Farke has already managed expectations by playing down the club’s intentions.
Having had a difficult summer in terms of key departures in Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray to the Premier League, it is fair to say that the subsequent arrivals of Joe Rodon (permanent), Largie Ramazani, Ao Tanaka, Joshua Guilavogui and Isaac Schmidt, as well as Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell both on loan, look capable of returning the club to the Premier League without too many additions.