Leeds United ended the window in frustrating fashion, but could now be ready to make amends with a statement signing in January.
Leeds miss out on late window targets
Supporters at Elland Road will feel a sense of frustration at the closing stages of the market period, where the Whites missed out on a number of targets that would’ve helped Daniel Farke to shape his squad for the bulk of the campaign.
Despite Leeds lodging a late move for Gustavo Hamer, Sheffield United made it clear that he wouldn’t be sold for under their valuation of the playmaker, hence why he remained at Bramall Lane.
Report suggest that the Whites also missed out on Fulham star Harry Wilson, while Pete O’Rourke has signalled that Farke has to carry a level of frustration amid the club being unable to bring Manor Solomon back to Yorkshire from Tottenham Hotspur.
He told Football Insider: “There will be a hint of frustration for Daniel Farke – they missed out on some targets. They are still lacking a bit up front, Leeds and he fears for them on that front – not getting the deal done for Manor Solomon will be a blow to Farke and the Leeds fans, because he had such a great impact there on loan last season.
“They tried to sign Harry Wilson on deadline day from Fulham and weren’t able to get that deal over the line as well, so they were looking to add some creativity in the final third.”
Joe Rodon’s injury scare has issued a reminder that there is still work to do at Leeds to bring in the depth required to handle Premier League football, and they may now look to add to their backline once the transfer window opens.
Leeds plotting January move for Nico O'Reilly
According to CaughtOffside, Leeds are plotting a January move to sign Manchester City star Nico O’Reilly, who is also said to be in the sights of Brighton & Hove Albion, Lyon, Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Capable of playing at left-back or central midfield, the 20-year-old has registered five goals and two assists in 23 appearances across all competitions for the Sky Blues.
Dubbed “awesome” by Mark Kennedy, Bayer Leverkusen saw two bids rejected for the England Under-21 international during the summer window, and he may be set to pen new terms at the Etihad Stadium on a long-term basis.
Nevertheless, Leeds could look to offer first-team guarantees before that scenario becomes a reality. The outlet claim nothing has been signed yet, offering a chance for Farke’s men to sell a vision before January comes around, when Leverkusen will again be in the mix.
Acquiring promising talent could be one avenue to securing Premier League survival, but it remains to be seen whether the 49ers could push such a statement deal over the line.
