Leeds United’s BBC correspondent Adam Pope has recently talked about potential transfers for the Whites in the January transfer window.
Pope was a guest on the latest episode of the OTB Football podcast and the panel talked about multiple issues involving the Elland Road-based side. Pope was asked about where the club might finish in the Premier League this season and he went on to talk about potential January signings that can boost the Whites’ chances in the campaign. He believes that it doesn’t seem likely that they will make any additions this month.
Do Leeds need January signings?
Yes
No
Marcelo Bielsa’s men are currently at 12th in the Premier League and they are only six points behind Frank Lampard’s Chelsea. They have been linked with a move for Fiorentina duo Christian Kouame and Erick Pulgar in recent weeks. It has been suggested that the Whites are ready to put €25 million (£22.2m) on the table for Pulgar this month, in an attempt to sign the Chilean star.
Having said that, Pope believes that there may not be any signings this month and they’ll look to improve the squad in the summer only given their season so far.
He said: “There’s a little sense they could get dragged back in. I know Fulham are behind tonight, but maybe one or two might pick up, but I just don’t see them giving up that many points to be quite honest, even if they have a horrendous time. I don’t see them strengthening big time, I think you’re going to look at that in the summer, to be quite honest.”
TIF Thoughts on Pope’s comments on January signings…
As things stand, Leeds have just one out-and-out option for the left-wing role and that is Jack Harrison, who is still on loan from Manchester City. With Adam Forshaw still injured, the Whites also have just two out-and-out central midfield options in Jamie Shackleton and Mateusz Klich. They also have just one senior out-and-out option for the defensive midfield position – Kalvin Phillips.
This shows that there still are deficiencies in the Leeds squad that need sorting out. Bielsa’s system places physical demands on the players and they can suffer from burnout. So because of that, the team would need extra depth and they should try to bring some players in this month.