MY ACCOUNT
Leeds have endured an inconsistent first half of the season — now that the January window is open, they will be on the hunt for arrivals who can bolster their survival chances.
Boss Jesse Marsch steered the West Yorkshire club to safety by three points last term and while his side sit 14th this season, they are only two points clear of the relegation zone and must strengthen in order to ensure their safety.
The club have already moved to secure the signing of Maximilian Wober from FC Salzburg but more reinforcements are necessary.
Ahead of Leeds’ FA Cup clash with Championship side Cardiff, we take a look at what the Whites’ winter window could look like and run the rule over some potential transfer targets.
Maximilian Wober
Versatile defender Wober — who can operate at both centre-back and left-back — is the first of Leeds’ January arrivals.
The Austrian, 24, has played under Marsch at Salzburg and made a point of expressing his commitment to his new club.
He said: “It’s good that I know what Jesse wants of his players.
“First, I have to play well so I am accepted by the dressing room.
“My biggest strengths are my personality and character. I never give up no matter what the score. I will give everything for the Leeds badge.”
Milos Kerkez
Despite the signing of Wober, an out-and-out left-back remains an area that could be improved for Leeds.
While Wober joins Pascal Struijk in the ranks of central defenders who can operate out wide, an upgrade on Junior Firpo would be a welcome addition.
AZ Alkmaar’s Milos Kerkez could be a potential solution to that problem. The 19-year-old has cemented himself in the Eredivisie side’s starting line-up this term, making 26 appearances in all competitions.
His healthy combination of age and experience will be seen as encouraging factors as the Leeds hierarchy weigh up the chances of the Hungarian developing and eventually adapting to the Premier League.
Adama Traore
Adama Traore is a player who has the potential to add value to any Premier League team.
His blend of dazzling dribbling, searing pace and ferocious strength is rare and Marsch would surely relish the opportunity to work with the winger.
Traore has attempted 4.63 take-ons in the English top flight this term, completing 2.07 — both totals rank inside the division’s top 10.
However, the Spain international has been in and out of the Wolves side this season, playing less than half of the team’s available league minutes.
That may indicate a willingness to listen to any offers that could arrive — potentially opening the door for Leeds to land their man.
Alex Scott
Following the news of long-serving Mateusz Klich’s impending departure, Leeds will likely be keen to bolster their midfield options.
A candidate who is attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs is Alex Scott.
The 19-year-old Bristol City midfielder has caught the eye for his blend of tough tackling and adventurous passing, notching four assists from the centre of the park in the Championship so far this term.
If Leeds want the teenager, they will likely have to fend off interest from several other suitors — and hope the player’s price does not rise too much in the process.
Mason Holgate
Having just bolstered the left half of their defence by signing Wober, Leeds could move to do the same on the other side.
Mason Holgate appears to have lost his place at Everton, having started the first four Premier League games before succumbing to a knee injury.
The Englishman has averaged 6.19 clearances per 90 minutes this season — the third-most in the league — although the sample size is, admittedly, small.
The 26-year-old is comfortable both at centre-back and right-back and could provide quality competition for Marsch’s current options.
