5 Players Leeds Could Target in January
As the January transfer window concludes, Leeds United’s pursuit of new talent could well be the difference between a top 2 or playoff finish. In this section, we look at Premier League attackers struggling for league minutes that Leeds could target as the transfer deadline looms.
Fabio Carvalho
Having struggled for regular game time at Brentford, Fábio Carvalho could be in search of more gametime away from the Gtech Community Stadium after managing just 421 Premier League minutes since his summer move from Liverpool.
A player that brings creativity, technical skill, and Championship experience, Fábio Carvalho is a perfect fit for Daniel Farke’s attacking side. His dribbling, vision, and ability to operate in multiple attacking roles would help to unlock deep defences, a common challenge for Leeds throughout the season. Having already starred in Fulham’s 2021/22 promotion-winning campaign and scoring an impressive 9 goals in 20 appearances for Hull City last season; he certainly knows what it takes to succeed in the Championship.
A short-term move to Leeds could provide Carvalho with the regular playing time he desires to reignite his career and showcase his potential in a dynamic, attacking system.
Taiwo Awoniyi
With the incredible form of ex-Leeds forward, Chris Wood, Taiwo Awoniyi has found minutes difficult at the City Ground in 2024, amassing a Premier League total of 238 minutes this campaign.
As a powerful and dynamic addition to the attacking line. The Nigerian striker boasts a strong physical presence, excellent finishing ability, and a knack for finding space in the box. His performances in both the Premier League and Bundesliga in previous seasons have demonstrated his ability to lead the line and score goals at a level much higher than that of the Championship.
With the potential to be a consistent goal-scorer at this level and above, Awoniyi is certainly the type of striker Leeds should be looking at to push for promotion and secure top-tier football next season.
James McAtee
Previously linked with Bayer Leverkusen, who have since taken Leeds target Emi Buendia on loan in recent days, James McAtee would be an exceptional signing for Leeds in this window.
Playing just 66 Premier League minutes for Manchester City this campaign, James McAtee is known for his creativity, vision, and technical prowess in midfield. The 22-year-old is highly regarded by Pep Guardiola and has shown exceptional promise with his ability to unlock defences in both the Championship and Premier League in loan spells with Sheffield United. As a natural number 10, McAtee would be an incredibly valuable signing for Leeds, who have found it challenging to break down teams defending in a low block.
Given his huge potential and recent successful spell in the Championship with Sheffield United, the signing of McAtee would be a no-brainer. Whether Leeds could compete with teams in the Premier League and Bundesliga for his signature is another question.
Marc Guiu
Playing just 33 minutes of Premier League football this season, a loan move for Marc Guiu of Chelsea could well be one for Leeds to consider. The 18-year-old Spanish talent has impressed with his goal-scoring ability, particularly in Chelsea's UEFA Conference League campaign. Boasting a natural composure in front of goal, and intelligent movement, the young attacker is a natural fit for Leeds’ fast-paced attacking style. This, combined with his physicality and technical abilities, allows him to excel in multiple attacking roles, whether as a central striker or a deep-lying attacker.
A short-term move from Chelsea would provide him with the opportunity to develop his game further and in doing so, aid Leeds in their challenge for the Championship title.
Harvey Elliot
As unrealistic as it may be for Harvey Elliot to drop down to the Championship. It’s no secret the 21-year-old is finding it difficult to break into Arne Slot’s Premier League topping side, playing a grand total of just 75 league minutes.
A similar player to James McAtee, there’s no doubt Harvey Elliott would add that top-level quality to make an impact in the final third of the Championship. His versatility allows him to play in multiple attacking roles, whether as a wide player or central playmaker, which would suit Leeds' fast and fluid style of play. Elliott’s ability to create chances, coupled with his energy and work rate, would add both creativity and depth to Leeds' attacking options, helping to unlock opposition defences in those tight matches.
Time is running out for Leeds United to act in the January transfer window. Who do you think Leeds will sign, if anyone, before the window closes on Monday?
