Leeds United began to strengthen their squad for a Premier League survival bid this week and remain on the lookout for more reinforcements. Summer target Facundo Buonanotte joined on a six-month loan from Brighton and Hove Albion having snubbed Elland Road for Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The YEP understands Buonanotte pushed to reverse that decision having played just 45 minutes of Premier League football at Chelsea, with hope the 21-year-old can fill that right-wing/No.10 gap Leeds failed to fix in the summer. And not long after that move was confirmed, reports emerged of interest in another Premier League attacking star.
Leeds still have two weeks to get any business done and having made enquiries for Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, appear in the market for a striker. Below, the YEP has taken a look at how Farke’s side could line up in the second half of the season if those top January targets are signed.
1. Dream Leeds United XI
Let's see how Leeds United could line up if top transfer targets are landed. | AFP via Getty Images
2. GK: Karl Darlow
The Welshman has been decent since coming in for Lucas Perri this month, keeping a clean sheet against Fulham and making some good saves at Everton. Deserves to keep his place for the foreseeable. | Getty Images
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3. CB: Joe Rodon
Has come back from an ankle injury and looked just as dependable, be it on the right or in the centre of a back three. Despite reports of interest in Daniel Doekhi, Leeds aren't thought to be prioritising centre-back additions this month unless anything changes regarding injury. | AFP via Getty Images
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4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Has looked excellent since the switch to a back three, allowed to focus solely on physically dominating opposition strikers. Becoming a real core of recent Whites success and has been a big miss due to a hamstring injury in recent weeks. | Getty Images
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Quickly quashed pre-season beliefs he'd be dropped for Bijol and been equally excellent since the switch to a back three. Important in build-up as a natural left-footed defender who can push into midfield when necessary. | Ed Sykes/Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Perfect for the wing-back role, with a love for attacking and defending in equal measure. James Justin's recent form has upped the level of competition but Bogle's superior forward quality gives him the edge, for now. | AFP via Getty Images