According to the latest reports from the Sun, Leeds United will look to bolster their squad in January as they are likely to send Jack Clarke to Tottenham once the January transfer window opens. The youngster has failed to get any game time in the Championship so far. It is reported that Bielsa will once again look at the loan market in January to bolster his squad.
Jack Clarke’s wage bill of £10,000-a-week will be freed-up in January, and that will allow the club to bring in new options. The reports don’t mention in which positions the club might look to strengthen but here at T4O we te try to suggest which areas United need to add options.
Winger
The obvious choice to replace Clarke will be with a winger. Bielsa’s game plan and playing style depend heavily on the wide players, so we expect the club to move for a winger in January. Jack Harrison has continued to frustrate with his poor final product, and Leeds United currently sit fifth on the table after a bright start to the season.
Pablo Hernandez has missed the last few games due to injury and his replacement Helder Costa has looked a bit rusty so far. Therefore a winger is likely going to be on the agenda of the club in January.
Striker
United sold Kemar Roofe in the summer and brought in Eddie Nketiah on loan from Arsenal. However, Patrick Bamford has continued to be the first choice striker, but he hasn’t been clinical in front of goal.
Bielsa has persisted with the former Middlesbrough man, but it feels like the club could do with one more striker who will add competition for places. Ideally, it should be someone who will bring something different upfront. However, the Argentine manager will likely continue with the two options which he currently has.
Centre back
The Whites allowed Pontus Jansson to leave this summer and replaced him with Ben White. The youngster has done well, but the club is currently thin on options at the back. Liam Cooper is likely to miss more than a month of action, and Gaetano Berardi is suspended.
A situation like this can arise even after January, and the club should probably look to add another centre back option. However, given Bielsa’s stubbornness and willingness to find answers from within, we are unlikely to see a centre back coming in January.
