Three players Leeds United should sign in the January window
After a dismal 2017/18 season, things are looking bright for Leeds United. The Whites, under Marcelo Bielsa, have emerged as strong contenders for promotion to the Premier League, following their solid start to the 2018/19 term.
Leeds currently sit third in the EFL Championship table. With 23 points from 12 games, the club are two points below leaders Sheffield United and one below second-placed West Bromwich Albion. The Yorkshire-based outfit have lost just one league game so far this season.
However, to earn a promotion back to the top-flight, Leeds must sustain their form throughout the campaign which is easier said than done.
Adding a few fresh faces in the January transfer window would definitely help Leeds in their pursuit of the elusive promotion. To that end, here are three players they should look to add in the winter.
Brandley Kuwas
The Whites were keen on signing the 26-year-old Heracles winger in the summer but were unable to meet the Dutch club’s £3.25 million asking price (h/t Bristol Post). However, with Kuwas’ contract set to expire at the end of the season, Leeds should be looking to sign him on a bargain deal in January.
The Curacao international has turned out on eight occasions for Heracles this term in all competitions, scoring two goals and setting up two more. Primarily a right-sided winger, the 26-year-old is comfortable playing on the opposite side as well as through the middle as a No.10.
Kuwas is known for his pace and ability to run at defenders fearlessly, by utilizing his sharp dribbling skills. With an ability to hug the touchline and bombard crosses into the box, the winger would bring an alternate dimension to Leeds’ attack. Hence, the club should swoop for him in January.
Scott McTominay
The Scotland international was another player that Leeds were interested in signing in the summer, albeit on loan (h/t The Sun). However, they were rebuffed by Manchester United.
However, the Red Devils are considering letting McTominay go on loan in January (h/t The Sun) and Leeds must reignite their interest in him.
The 21-year-old burst onto the scene only last season at Manchester United and has impressed at every opportunity. In fact, Jose Mourinho went on to name the youngster as the Manager’s Player of the Year in the season-end award ceremony.
First-team opportunities haven’t come regularly this time around for the United academy graduate. Hence, the chance to play under someone as reputed as Bielsa could appeal to him.
Given his physicality and strength, the 21-year-old would be a good fit in the rough and tumble of the Championship, providing valuable cover to Kalvin Phillips in the middle of the park.
Dominic Solanke
The extremely talented 21-year-old forward continues to warm the bench at Liverpool and Leeds should definitely consider luring him to Elland Road with the promise of first-team football.
With summer signing Patrick Bamford sidelined with a knee injury, the entire goalscoring burden has fallen on the shoulders of Kemar Roofe. While he has done a solid job at the top, adding another source of goals would be a smart move for the Whites.
While Solanke has not made a single appearance for Liverpool this term, there are no doubts over his natural goalscoring abilities. The 21-year-old was a prolific scorer all through his youth career at Chelsea and performed well on loan at Vitesse previously.
Earlier this month, he scored a screamer for the England U21 side as they thrashed Andorra 7-0. A loan move would work wonders for the player and Leeds alike.
