With five wins from their first five league games this season, Leeds United currently top the Championship table. Marcelo Bielsa has done pretty well in his first season at Elland Road as he lifted a side that finished the previous season well below par. The new manager did not make too many star additions to the squad but has been able to implement a playing style that is mesmerizing a fair number of teams in the second tier of English football.
But the Whites have shown a few weaknesses that needs to be addressed soon if they are to jump to the Premier League by the end of this season. Bielsa could be a busy man in January, after a rather sedate summer transfer window. But who can Leeds sign in the winter transfer window? Here are three players who can make a world of difference at Elland Road, if signed for the second half of the season:
Dominic Solanke (Liverpool):
Having scored four goals already this season, Kemar Roofe is deservedly the first choice striker for Bielsa this season. However, with Bamford out with injury for a substantial period of time and Tyler Roberts still not having enough experience, we believe Bielsa needs another forward.
This is where Liverpool youngster Solanke comes in the scene. He is struggling for game time at Anfield and could even be available on loan in January. He is ruthless in front of goal and would add a different dimension to the Leeds attack, that could be crucial in the business end of the season.
Reece Oxford (West Ham United):
Bielsa has used Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi as his first choice defenders along with Pontus Jansson at the start of this season. But they remain the only options for the manager at the back, which might force him to spend on a defender in January. And the West Ham youngster could be a revelation at Elland Road.
Oxford has spent time in Germany gaining a lot of exposure and his ability to play as a central defender or as a midfielder would solve a couple of issues for Bielsa. He is only being used in the youth side at West Ham and he could be tempted to find a new home with Leeds, especially under a manager like Bielsa.
Mbaye Diagne (Kasimpasa):
One of the most exciting forwards currently in Europe, Diagne, has eight goals in six league appearances in Super Lig. This form has seen a number of English clubs take notice and Bielsa should not be left behind. With strength and pace along with the versatility to play on the flanks, the Senegalese striker has a huge future ahead of him and would be a great fit at Elland Road. At 26, he has the experience and ability to walk into the first team at Leeds. He has the attributes to be effective in Bielsa’s system and his addition would solve a real, impending problem at Leeds.
