While there's no disputing one of Jesse Marsch's challenges will be filling the void left by Mateusz Klich's departure in terms of what he brought to the squad dynamic and training pitch, there's a small matter of what he brought on the pitch to replace, too.
Klich may not be the guaranteed starter anymore in this Leeds side, but his presence in the last three Premier League games since the restart after the World Cup underlines the important role he still played.
The fear is losing a player of that experience from the midfield will have a significant impact, but it is one Marsch believes he can cover with the players already at his disposal. Speaking after the 2-2 draw with West Ham at Elland Road, the Leeds boss set out his plans to cover for Klich, who has now played his last game for the Whites before heading to the MLS.
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While many supporters will hope for an investment in the transfer market this January, the manager seems more than content with the players at his disposal, including an array of young talent.
"If you go through it, I think Sam (Greenwood) can be an option to play a bit more," explained Marsch, when asked how we intended to replace Klich.
"I think Jack (Harrison), we use him from the bench, but certainly he can be an option in that position and Willy (Gnonto) and Cree (Crysencio Summerville) can keep pushing themselves in sort of a 8-10 role. There's Darko (Gyabi), I think Darko’s close.
"I think Sonny (Perkins) and Mateo (Joseph) are pushing themselves so there's a lot of young guys I think that have potential to step in and see more time."
Gyabi, Joseph and Perkins are yet to start a game this season and have just two substitute appearances between them, which could leave the Whites short should injuries or suspensions bite, but there's no doubt with Leeds' oldest first-team player leaving and the likes of Gnonto, Gyabi and Joseph being talked about as stepping in, the investment and backing of youth is coming to the fore once again.
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