Leeds United have had a very difficult second season in the Premier League, with injuries to key players playing a huge factor in their struggles.
The Whites could certainly do with some reinforcements during the window transfer window to help them secure their spot in the Premier League for another season. However, there does not seem to be too much noise regarding any imminent moves.
But in case Leeds do make some moves during the window, which areas of their squad need the most help?
SBOTOP breaks down Leeds’ biggest needs that they would be wise to address during the winter transfer window.
Striker
Patrick Bamford’s absence for much of the season has been absolutely huge for Leeds. After providing outstanding production last season (17 goals, 7 assists), Leeds’ star striker has been limited to just 2 goals and 2 assists in 6 games due to a persistent hamstring injury that has kept him out for most of the campaign.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has tried just about everything to fill the massive hole left by Bamford. Wingers Daniel James and Jack Harrison have both started up front for the Whites, as have Rodrigo Moreno, Tyler Roberts and even teenagers Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, with no one doing a particularly impressive job producing Premier League 2022 highlights.
And to make matters worse, Rodrigo, Roberts, Gelhardt and Greenwood have joined Bamford on the sidelines after picking up injuries, leaving Leeds woefully short up front.
Leeds desperately need a striker who can simply put the ball in the back of the net since they don’t have anyone in the squad who can do that consistently. The drop-off from team’s leading scorer Raphinha (8 goals) and the second-leading scorers – James, Bamford, and Rodrigo with 2 apiece – is much too steep.
Of course, finding a striker who can consistently score at the Premier League level is both difficult and costly. They are unlikely to find one who can significantly affect their Premier League 2022 odds of staying up.
The best Leeds might be able to do in this winter window is find a more established veteran who can hold up play and at least get some shots on goal.
Central Midfielder
Leeds looked fairly light in midfield heading into the season, and that lack of depth has been sorely exposed this year, especially with Kalvin Phillips going down with a hamstring injury that will keep him out until March. 30-year-old Adam Forshaw has been forced to play significantly more minutes than expected to due Leeds’ lack of midfield bodies, likewise 31-year-old Mateusz Klich.
Meanwhile, 30-year-old Stuart Dallas, who shone primarily as a central midfielder last year, has been unable to play in that position too often as he’s been forced to plug gaps in defence. It has been a similar story for Jamie Shackleton, who has had to play more right-back this season.
Leeds clearly need some younger legs to help lighten the load on their ageing midfielders. Teenager Lewis Bate made his first-team debut in the FA Cup against West Ham and centre-back Robin Koch can also fill in as midfielder in case of emergency, but more reinforcements are needed.
With Bielsa’s midfield options dwindling, it’s becoming even more crucial that Leeds bring in more midfielders – preferably with some Premier League experience – who can contribute for the remainder of the season.
Right-back
Leeds have had to endure a rash of injuries to defenders all year. But aside from their instability in the centre of their defence, right-back has also been a problem position for the Whites. Luke Ayling, Jamie Shackleton, and Stuart Dallas have all played there in parts this season, although the latter two are better served playing as midfielders.
While it’s not quite as pressing a need as striker or central midfielder, having a natural right-back to deputise for Ayling, who has already missed significant time this season, should still be a priority for Leeds during this transfer window.Leeds look set to send 20-year-old right-back Cody Drameh out on loan to Cardiff City, which seems to be a signal that Bielsa doesn’t believe the youngster can contribute just yet. But with so few options available, Leeds better find a more reliable right-back so Stuart Dallas can spend more time playing in midfield for the rest of the year.
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