Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards has questioned Leeds United’s decision not to sign anyone in the January transfer window. The Whites have been in and around the bottom of the table for much of the season but opted against strengthening their squad.
And now for the first time since October, Leeds slipped into the Premier League relegation zone with just three matches of the season remaining. Leeds were keen on adding to their squad in the window, with two bids being placed for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
However, both of those offers were knocked back and instead of moving onto potential other targets, Leeds decided to stick with what they had. Speaking on BBC 5Live’s Monday Night Club, Richards claimed the January window was the turning point in Leeds’ season.
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He said: “Why didn’t they sign anyone in January? That is the biggest question. You can talk about injuries and Leeds have had injuries all season, when they were doing alright and the form was up and down, you’ve got the January market.
“Look what Newcastle did and yes, Leeds don’t have the money that Newcastle have, they can’t just go and spend money but you still have to improve on your team. That’s where it became problematic for Leeds in my opinion.”
Leeds are set to face another crucial match in their battle to beat the drop this evening, as they host Chelsea at Elland Road. If the Whites are able to avoid defeat, they will move out of the bottom three, with Burnley not back in action until Sunday.
Richards believes the topsy turvy nature of the battle at the bottom makes it impossible to predict, but is hopeful that Leeds are able to secure survival due to his Yorkshire roots.
“You can’t predict it. Every week you have a prediction and every week we look ridiculous. Everton beating Chelsea, you just never see that coming. I agree with Adam [Pope] in terms of maybe the results at Elland Road [being poor] but still, having that crowd behind you.
“If they were to get the first goal and you’ve got the crowd with you, they can get through the game and it’s always bouncing. I don’t know if it’s my heart and if it’s because I’m a Yorkshire lad too, I want Leeds to stay in there.”
