Sport nationThe Leeds United Players Likely to Leave in January
Leeds United’s Championship campaign for the 2024/25 season is well underway, with Daniel Farke at the helm and the club pushing for automatic promotion. After narrowly missing out on a Premier League return last season, finishing third with an impressive 90 points, the pressure to succeed this year is greater than ever.
While the squad boasts depth and talent, there are players on the fringes who may not fit into Farke’s long-term plans. As January approaches, it’s becoming increasingly clear that several individuals could seek moves elsewhere in pursuit of regular football.
The summer window saw significant changes, with key players like Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Archie Gray departing for Premier League opportunities. However, Leeds responded with astute signings, including Ao Tanaka, Largie Ramazani, and Joe Rodon. Despite these reinforcements, the realities of squad management mean that not everyone will play a pivotal role this season.
Below, we analyze the players most likely to leave Elland Road in January, either on loan or permanently, as they seek to revive or further their careers.
Joe Gelhardt: The Unfulfilled Promise
Joe Gelhardt arrived at Leeds United in 2020 with significant expectations after impressing at Wigan Athletic. Initially viewed as one of the brightest young talents in English football, Gelhardt has struggled to break into the first team consistently, and his development has stagnated as a result.
The 22-year-old’s lack of game time under Farke mirrors the frustrations he experienced last season. After relegation to the Championship, many assumed Gelhardt would take on a larger role, but he remains on the fringes. His appearances have been sporadic, and he often finds himself left out of matchday squads entirely.
Despite his versatility—capable of playing on the right flank or as a second striker—Gelhardt faces stiff competition. Leeds’ attacking depth, bolstered by players like Willy Gnonto, Dan James, and summer signing Largie Ramazani, has pushed him further down the pecking order.
Regular football is crucial for Gelhardt at this stage of his career. Without it, his potential risks being wasted. A loan move in January could provide him with the opportunity to reignite his career. Leeds, for their part, may also see value in this strategy. As seen in previous cases, a strong loan spell could increase his transfer market value should the club decide to sell in the summer.
Alternatively, a permanent exit cannot be ruled out. If Gelhardt wishes to seek a fresh start away from Elland Road entirely, it would not come as a surprise. His frustration with limited opportunities may force him to prioritize his career progression over loyalty to the club.
Max Wöber: A Season of Uncertainty
Austrian international Max Wöber’s situation is a delicate one. After battling injuries earlier this season, he has only recently returned to full fitness. While reintegrated into the squad, Wöber remains behind Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in the central defensive hierarchy. The arrival of Josuha Guilavogui, who can play both in midfield and defense, has further complicated matters.
Wöber had a successful loan spell in the Bundesliga last season, which bolstered his reputation as a dependable center-back. However, his return to Leeds has been less straightforward. While he provides valuable depth, his long-term role at the club is uncertain. The January transfer window could offer Wöber a chance to secure more consistent game time, whether through a loan or permanent move.
Leeds are unlikely to actively push Wöber out of the door, given his quality and versatility. However, much will depend on the player’s own ambitions. If he is content with a bit-part role, he may choose to stay and fight for his place. Conversely, if a top-flight club expresses interest, Wöber may find the prospect of regular football too tempting to resist.
The Austrian has already proven he can perform at a high level when given the opportunity. For Leeds, retaining him as cover for the second half of the season could be beneficial, especially if injuries arise in defense. But if Wöber’s involvement remains limited, both parties may see a January exit as the best solution.
Patrick Bamford: The Long Goodbye?
Patrick Bamford has been a central figure at Leeds United since joining from Middlesbrough in 2018. His contributions, particularly during the 2020/21 Premier League season when he scored 17 goals, have made him a fan favorite. However, injuries and inconsistent form have plagued the striker in recent years, leading to questions about his future at the club.
This season, Bamford finds himself in unfamiliar territory. Once the focal point of Leeds’ attack, he now struggles for regular minutes. Joel Piroe has cemented his place as the team’s starting striker, while Mateo Joseph has also moved ahead of Bamford in the pecking order. The arrival of versatile attackers like Largie Ramazani has further reduced his opportunities.
Reports suggest that Bamford is considering his options, with some sources claiming he plans to leave Elland Road next summer. However, a January move could materialize if the right opportunity arises. For Leeds, allowing Bamford to leave mid-season would be a significant decision, given his experience and leadership qualities.
Bamford’s potential departure hinges on two factors: his desire for more playing time and Leeds’ willingness to sanction the move. If the club decides to offload both Gelhardt and Bamford, it would likely require a new striker to be brought in as a replacement. This balancing act will determine Bamford’s future in the coming months.
Despite his recent struggles, Bamford’s contributions to Leeds should not be overlooked. His time at the club has been marked by memorable moments, and he remains a respected figure among fans. If this is to be his final season at Elland Road, it will undoubtedly be the end of an era.
Balancing Squad Depth and Player Happiness
One of the biggest challenges for Daniel Farke this season is managing a squad filled with talent and ambition. While depth is crucial for a promotion push, it can also lead to dissatisfaction among players who feel underutilized. Striking the right balance between maintaining squad harmony and allowing individuals to pursue their careers elsewhere is no easy task.
Farke’s experience as a two-time promotion winner in the Championship will be invaluable in navigating this delicate situation. His ability to communicate openly with players and make tough decisions will be tested as the January window approaches.
From a club perspective, Leeds must also consider the financial implications of potential departures. Players like Gelhardt and Wöber could command reasonable fees, while offloading Bamford’s wages would free up resources for new signings. These considerations will play a significant role in shaping the club’s transfer strategy.
The Bigger Picture: Leeds’ Promotion Push
Leeds United’s ultimate goal this season is clear: promotion to the Premier League. Every decision made in January, whether it involves player departures or new signings, must align with this objective. The squad is already one of the strongest in the Championship, but ensuring it remains balanced and motivated will be key to sustaining their promotion bid.
As the January window looms, the focus will be on strengthening the team while allowing those on the fringes to find opportunities elsewhere. For players like Gelhardt, Wöber, and Bamford, the next two months could mark the beginning of new chapters in their careers.
In football, change is inevitable. For Leeds United, the challenge lies in ensuring that any changes made in January propel the club closer to achieving its ambitions. Whether that involves saying goodbye to familiar faces or welcoming new ones, the Whites must remain resolute in their pursuit of success.
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