At the beginning of the transfer window we were told that Leeds wanted to strengthen in three positions.
Indeed, we heard that the Whites were after a striker, a winger and a goalkeeper, but there is an argument to be made that they need more than that.
One area that has consistently been seen as a problem by fans and pundits is at left-back.
The Athletic published a long piece on how the area is becoming a problem for Marcelo Bielsa, and fans seem to agree with that sentiment as Ezgjan Alioski was slated by supporters a few weeks ago after Leeds’ game against Birmingham.
Unfortunately, it seems as if that position won’t be strengthened this month as Phil Hay has delivered a definitive transfer update.
Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
What’s been said then?
The journalist appeared on The Athletic’s Ornstein & Chapman podcast on Monday to discuss Leeds’ plans this month.
He stated that he thinks a left-back should be signed, but he definitively stated that Leeds won’t be targeting that area this month.
“There are people observing, like me, who think that another centre mid would do no harm and that there’s an issue at left-back which really is feeling like it needs to be addressed by signing somebody else and bringing somebody in from the outside,” Hay said (The Ornstein & Chapman Podcast 20/1/20 15:20).
“But they certainly won’t look for a left-back in what’s left in the window, and I think they’re still hopeful that Adam Forshaw will recover from this injury that has been bothering him for about four months now, and get himself back in the picture for what’s left of the season.”
More pressing matters
It may sound a little disappointing that Leeds aren’t in the market for a left-back this month, but there are certainly more pressing matters. Their lack of loan spots and lack of FFP wriggle room means they can’t really address every area that needs fixing.
Call yourself a Leeds expert? How much did each of these January signings cost?
Jack Clarke and Eddie Nketiah’s recalls mean that the Yorkshire club need to sign a winger and a striker. Meanwhile, if Forshaw returns, their left-back problems may be solved anyway because Stuart Dallas would be able to return there.
If Leeds go up, left-back is certainly an area they’d need to address in the summer, but this month it’s more of a luxury than a real necessity.
In other news, Phil Hay has suggested that one Leeds transfer is all but done.