Leeds United’s January plans have been dealt a frustrating blow.
For much of the window, Daniel Farke and the recruitment team pushed hard to land Wolves striker Jørgen Strand Larsen, viewing him as the ideal solution to their lack of cutting edge in the final third.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin carrying much of the goalscoring burden and Leeds hovering uncomfortably close to the relegation scrap, attacking reinforcements have been a clear priority. However, Strand Larsen now looks set to join Crystal Palace instead, as part of a wider domino effect that could also see Jean-Philippe Mateta depart Selhurst Park.
Just when it looked like Leeds were running out of options, a surprise alternative has emerged.
Leeds Offered Jhon Duran
Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign striker Jhon Duran before the January window slams shut, according to TEAMtalk.
The Colombia international’s representatives are urgently seeking a Premier League move after a late collapse in talks with Lille left his future unresolved heading into deadline day. Leeds are understood to be among the clubs alerted to his availability, with Elland Road viewed as a realistic destination.
Duran made headlines during the latter part of last season at Aston Villa, scoring 12 goals in just over 1,000 minutes before completing a £71m move to Al-Nassr in January 2025. Although he continued his scoring run in Saudi Arabia — taking his total for the campaign to 24 goals — the 22-year-old failed to fully settle and was subsequently loaned to Fenerbahçe.
Minutes have been hard to come by in Turkey, prompting the forward — once described as “outstanding” by former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison — to push for a swift return to English football. Intermediaries are now exploring all possible routes back to the Premier League, with Leeds firmly in the conversation.
TEAMtalk adds that Tottenham, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest have also been made aware of Duran’s situation.
A deal for Duran would represent a major statement from Leeds at a crucial stage of the season. While wages could prove a significant obstacle, landing a proven, explosive goalscorer of his profile would be a huge coup — and could make a decisive difference in steering the club away from relegation danger.
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