2 Deals CONFIRMED: Leeds United can have the dream start to the January transfer window with these 2 deals

Leeds United Transfer News: Two Major Deals to Get the Dream Start in January

Leeds United are among the favorites to win the 2024/25 Championship season, but they know how crucial the January transfer window can be in defining their campaign. The club has plenty of ambition, but they need to match that next month, aiming to restore their Premier League status after a disappointing end to last season.

The Whites have recruited smartly in the past, with key players like Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Willy Gnonto likely to play pivotal roles this season. Summer signings like Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka have also strengthened the team significantly in crucial areas.

However, Leeds need to make some key signings in January to boost their promotion chances. Here are two major transfer decisions the club should make in January to get off to the perfect start.

OUT: Joe Gelhardt

Joe Gelhardt’s immediate future needs to be at another club next month. Even if it is just a short-term loan switch, the 22-year-old forward is in desperate need of regular football. With limited game time last season and his position on the fringes of the first team, Gelhardt could be seeking a fresh start this January rather than continuing to linger in Leeds’ reserves.

A loan deal would suit all parties at this stage in his career and development, with numerous second-tier sides keen on his services. Recent reports from the Yorkshire Evening Post state that Gelhardt is looking to seek an exit in the next transfer window after finding regular match minutes hard to come by once again under Daniel Farke this season.

IN: Ilan Kebbal

Leeds should be in the market for an attacking midfielder in January, and Ilan Kebbal of Paris FC is a player they should be looking to revive a deal for. During the summer, both Leeds and Burnley were said to be keeping tabs on him, with the clubs having been in touch with his representatives as they considered a potential deal.

A move never materialized, while selling Georginio Rutter in the summer of 2024 has left them with a lack of a creative No.10, which may be an issue in some games this season. What Leeds are currently missing as a profile in their squad is a central attacking player who can unlock defences with intricate play and vision.

Kebbal is a 26-year-old playmaker in the prime of his career and has spent the majority of it so far outside the top division, but that shouldn’t be a problem for a player who is in the best form of his career. He operates best as an attacking midfielder or wide playmaker, thriving in a role where he can link midfield and attack.

His ideal position is as a No.10, floating between the lines to exploit spaces or out wide as an inverted winger on the right. That sort of left-footed outlet is something Leeds are currently missing, with the majority of their attacking line made up of right-footed wingers and attacking midfielders.

Not only is that vital, but he excels in possession, often attracting defenders and opening up space for teammates. A No.10 is crucial in breaking down well-organised defensive units, but Kebbal can also take set pieces, adding another dimension to Leeds following Ilia Gruev’s injury, leaving them with no specialist left-footer for corners and free-kicks.

Outside of that, he will drift into the half-spaces and dictate play and has that knack of finding pockets of space where others might struggle, making him a constant threat in between the lines. His vision and ability to thread passes into dangerous areas make him an ideal creative outlet, and that is something that is invaluable to promotion-chasing sides.

He could be the final piece of the puzzle in attack for this Leeds team in January.