Christmas arrivals are being finalised at the North Pole, but Victor Orta and Leeds United are picking through their own list of desirables ahead of the New Year. The festive season sees a lot of people wind down, but Orta and his recruitment department are fully aware every day matters in the run-up to January.
It’s plain for everyone to see, including those, importantly, in the Elland Road boardroom, Jesse Marsch needs a left-back and a striker next month. If those positions are not tended to before February 1, it’s going to be easy to point the finger if Leeds then struggle through the spring.
Pascal Struijk has held the fort admirably, but it’s clear he is not a natural left-back United can rely on if they want to maximise their team’s potential. Meanwhile, Junior Firpo’s problems with form and fitness make it a necessity for fresh blood in that corner of the field.
READ MORE: Leeds United continue new contract hopes with senior defender's signature
In the frontline, while Rodrigo averages more goals per 90 minutes than anyone bar Erling Haaland in the Premier League, there remain question marks about his suitability in the system. The goals are welcome and applauded, but in open play there are still doubts about his all-round output.
Patrick Bamford proved himself in the first top-flight campaign after promotion, but a chain of injuries and setbacks since September last year make it hard for the club to rely on him currently. There is an array of younger options like Joe Gelhardt, Mateo Joseph and Sam Greenwood who could also lead the line, but none are ready to provide the stream of goals needed at the top level.
As ever, LeedsLive understands Orta has his three or four options in each position and will now look to make moves happen while navigating the choppy waters of selling clubs, rival clubs, agents, families and the players themselves.
Matheus Cunha was one such forward on Orta’s shortlist, but the bewildering price on his transfer out of Atletico Madrid made zero sense to the Whites. The Brazilian moved to Spain from Hertha BSC for €25m in August 2021 before scoring six league goals in 29 appearances.
Cunha would fail to score in another 11 outings this term, but saw his transfer fee double to €50m when Wolverhampton Wanderers agreed to cough up this month. It was not a bidding war Leeds saw any sense in.
Incomings may not be restricted to the first team either. The ongoing procession of youth recruitment masterminded by head of emerging talent Craig Dean will continue next month.
George Hall has been widely reported as a target for Leeds since the beginning of last summer. The 18-year-old has appeared in 18 of Birmingham City’s 23 Championship matches this season, including five starts, and interest is only growing in his services.
The England under-19 international has a big seven-figure transfer valuation on his head from Birmingham and that is putting off many suitors. Leeds will not move at that price next month for Hall, who may be more likely to switch in the summer with his contract closer to expiry.
Mateusz Klich is the only Leeds player with credible transfer links out of the club thus far. D.C. United are keen and the Pole is open to trying a new adventure, but as Marsch intimated on Thursday, Leeds will not allow him out if it does not suit them.
Cody Drameh has suitors and limited minutes under his belt this season, but if Marsch is true to the words he said this week the right-back would only be going out on loan, if at all, next month.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United supporters bemused by Diego Llorente contract decision
Rene Maric reveals aim of Leeds United's formation change during winter friendlies
Leeds United confirm major Thorp Arch departure on the eve of the January transfer window
Victor Orta hails Mark Jackson's Leeds United influence following 'deserved' MK Dons switch
Mark Jackson's first words after Leeds United departure for MK Dons role
