Following a busy summer transfer window, Leeds United have had a relatively quiet January as they are yet to sign a single player so far. On the contrary, the Whites have offloaded Jordan Stevens and Robbie Gotts on loan while Tyler Roberts could also be on his way out of Elland Road.
However, Marcelo Bielsa has more than enough time to identify his best options and sign a few players as we head towards the second half of the campaign. So in this article, we will look at three players Leeds United must sign in this January transfer window.
Erick Pulgar
A central midfielder is need of the hour for Leeds United at the moment. The club has evidently struggled with their lack of depth in the midfield unit this season, notably suffering in Kalvin Phillips’s absence. And that is where someone like Erick Pulgar could be a perfect option.
The Fiorentina star has been tipped to leave the club this January as the Serie A outfit look to offload some players in an attempt to deal with the financial crisis inflicted by the pandemic. In fact, the Whites have already been linked with a move for the Chilean international, who is a silky footballer brimming with technical brilliance.
Much like Phillips, Pulgar can distribute possession and carry the ball across half-spaces. Although the 27-year-old is much more attack-minded, he can certainly provide the back-up for the Englishman in the number six role during the remainder of the campaign.
Loic Bade
Aside from a new central midfielder, Leeds United also require a new centre-back amid an injury crisis that has seen Liam Cooper, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Gaetano Berardi spend time on the sidelines. It has ultimately forced Bielsa to rely on the services of Luke Ayling at centre-back.
Loic Bade could be the man for Bielsa. Regarded as one of the best up and coming talents in France, the 20-year-old has been a breakout star in Ligue 1 this season. However, with French football going through a financial disaster due to the pandemic, RC Lens could be forced into a sale, giving Leeds United the ideal opportunity to potentially bag a bargain.
Known for his imposing 1.91m frame, Bade is a gifted centre-back, who can read the game and use his intimidating presence to good effect. Naturally, the youngster dominates the air and is also an excellent ball-playing defender – making him an ideal competitor for the likes of Koch and Llorente.
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Last but not least, it is about time Leeds United settles for a new striker despite the excellent scoring record of Patrick Bamford. One such player they should definitely keep an eye on is 1.FSV Mainz forward Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Frenchman had a breakout season in the Bundesliga last term, netting 14 goals for lowly Mainz. A centre-forward by trade, Mateta boasts a tall 1.92m frame that makes him quite useful in aerial and physical duels. The 23-year-old is also blessed with the raw pace that makes him a scourge on the counter, which should tune in well with Leeds’ style of play.
Mateta could be a relatively easy target as well, considering the recent struggles for Mainz, who are currently hovering around the bottom end of the league table. The 05ers could be further swayed by the emergence of Jonathan Burkardt, who has kept Mateta on the bench in recent weeks with his performances.
