Angus Kinnear has laid down Leeds’ January transfer plans, although there may not be a lot to it unless some exceptional circumstances arise at Elland Road.
What’s he said?
Victor Orta has previously stated that Leeds are set for a quiet January period, presumably because of the profit and sustainability restrictions they had last summer.
Leeds were forced into relying on loan acquisitions, rather than permanent additions as they signed players like Ben White and Eddie Nketiah.
That hasn’t stopped rumours surrounding potential incomings, however. Jarrod Bowen and Andy Rinomhota are two of the names reportedly on their radar but Kinnear claims only three things will convince Leeds to be active next month.
He told Leeds Live:
“While Victor’s scouting team are as close to the market as ever, we will be prioritising not disrupting the stability of the existing squad versus gambling on any introductions.
“We believe that the continuity that the current squad have in working with Marcelo for 18 months is the cornerstone of the progress we have made to date and that the players ability to adapt across positions and systems give us the strength in depth required to see out the campaign.”
“The only exception will be if we have to cover for an unexpected injury, unwanted departure or an improbable exceptional opportunity presents itself.”
Do Leeds have enough?
The short answer is probably not. However, if you consider they are ten points clear of Preston in third it would take an almighty dip in form for the club not to be promoted.
That being said, extra additions certainly wouldn’t hurt, particularly in the striking department where goals have been lacking.
Although they’re in the automatic promotion places, their inability to find the goal saw them stumble for a period of time when Patrick Bamford went ten matches without hitting the back of the net.
Leeds are ten points behind West Brom for goals scored, and according to the xG table, are a massive 7.5 strikes off where they should be.
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Eddie Nketiah is a player who could well return to Arsenal while Jack Clarke may also be recalled.
Although Leeds don’t appear to be particularly willing when it comes to new faces in January, the pair of them returning to their respective parent clubs could force Victor Orta and co into action.
Rhian Brewster and Cenk Tosun have been touted as possible replacements for if Nketiah is recalled but it’ll be a case of waiting a few weeks to see if anything materialises on that front.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay has provided an update on the fitness of Adam Forshaw…