Leeds United didn’t make a flurry of signings last season in January, but they did add strength to their squad as they brought in Kiko Casilla and young Polish midfielder Mateusz Bogusz. They came close to signing Daniel James, but the move fell through in the final few minutes.
Victor Orta on Leeds’ January plans
Club’s Director Of Football Victor Orta has indicated that the Whites will likely have a subdued January transfer window. He also suggested that the success rate of bringing in players in January is quite less. Orta said to Tuttomercatoweb (via Yorkshire Evening Post), ”We made a conservative line in the summer, and we will do it in the winter. The new ones need time. In January, there are few options, and they have a certain type of matrix.”
”We need intelligence, I can say that it will be a quiet market for Leeds. We have information and ideas, but I believe little in the winter market. Only 25 per cent of winter shots are successful, it’s incredible.”
Orta also added that it’s the year of continuity, indicating further that the club is going to trust the current crop of players to deliver results, instead of bringing in more options.
The Whites don’t have a large squad, and they rely heavily on player’s versatility when injuries hit them. For instance, Stuart Dallas has played at right-back, central midfield and left-back already this season. Some might argue that using players in various positions isn’t the right way to fill gaps in the squad, and they would probably want specialist players in every area. However, Bielsa clearly has his own way of working, and it is unlikely that it will change over the course of the season.
Where might Leeds need options?
We believe that the Whites might look to bring in a new emergency goalkeeper if Casilla is handed a lengthy ban regarding his case of abusing Jonathan Leko.
The club might look to add another wide option as Jack Clarke is likely to return to Tottenham in January. However, we won’t be surprised if the club doesn’t go on to replace him as Clarke hasn’t even been used as a substitute so far in the Championship. If Nketiah goes on to leave, which is a remote possibility at the moment, then we might see the club making a significant move in January.
Hopefully, the core of the United squad remains fit as Orta has clearly indicated that the Whites are unlikely to do much business in January.
