Marcelo Bielsa’s side are a stark contrast to the Leeds United of last season. The Whites are currently third in the EFL Championship table and have 30 points after 17 games. In fact, they are three points behind leaders Norwich City. The Elland Road side is playing exciting offensive football this term. Only West Bromwich Albion, 37 goals, have scored more goals than Leeds’ 29 goals in the Championship so far.
Bielsa has a healthy squad to work with. If possible though, they must bring on board a few quality players this winter to help in the promotion fight in the second half of the season. However, the Argentine may have to sanction the sale of some players in January to free up space in his tightly knit squad.
Here we look at two players Leeds must offload in January;
Shaughnessy came through the Leeds United academy last summer. The young defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, has struggled to break into the Leeds starting XI. The 22-year-old has made 15 appearances for Leeds so far, recording an assist.
However, the youngster is yet to feature for Bielsa’s side in the league this season. He has had to contend with merely 45 minutes of EFL Cup action.
A move away from Elland Road this winter would be vital for his development. Shaughnessy needs regular minutes to fulfil his potential. A move to another Championship side or the League One would allow him to cement his place in the starting line-up and that will be vital for his career to progress.
Berardi is another player who could be headed out of the exit doors at Elland Road. The 30-year-old is in his peak years as a defender and should be in a side where he gets regular action. So far this season, he has made eight appearances, clocking 650 minutes on the field.
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To be fair, Berardi has struggled to break the Liam Copper-Pontus Jansson partnership at the heart of the Leeds defence. He may be the backup centre-back but one cannot completely rule out a move. Berardi would benefit by joining a side where he can establish himself as he heads into the back end of his career.
