Leeds: Pete O’Rourke makes January transfer claim

Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes that Leeds United are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’ ahead of potential additions.

The Lowdown: Summer business

The Whites were certainly active in the summer transfer window, bringing in a number of players at a cost of £93m. However, the club actually made a £7.79m profit after selling both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha in big-money deals.

Jesse Marsch’s side have struggled in recent months but earned a surprise win against Liverpool last weekend to take them out of the Premier League relegation zone, and it looks as if the Yorkshire club are already preparing for the winter transfer window.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke was asked about Leeds’ transfer plans heading into 2023. He believes that the club ‘definitely’ need to strengthen and is sure they are ‘actively looking at the January transfer window’.

The journalist said: “I think they definitely need help in that squad. Jesse Marsch obviously had a great result at Liverpool, which has eased the pressure on him. But again, the pressure can soon be turned on, if results don’t go their way, so I’m sure they’re actively looking at the January transfer window to see what they can do.”

The Verdict: Exciting comments

Leeds have never tended to strengthen their squad in the New Year over the past five years, so O’Rourke’s comments are certainly exciting for Whites supporters.

Many would argue that Elland Road chiefs could have done with signing a new left-back and centre-forward in the summer due to the injury struggles of Junior Firpo and Patrick Bamford.

Centre-back Pascal Struijk has frequently lined out at left-back, whereas Bamford has looked out of form, already missing nine big chances in the Premier League this season.

Struijk has impressed at left-back and is currently the club’s best-rated performer, as per WhoScored, but the club may look at adding to their central attacking ranks as they look to avoid another intense relegation battle.