Leeds United round-up as promising Manor Solomon update emerges

Just when they looked to be sinking, Leeds United pulled out some remarkable results and can now look forward with optimism.

The Whites were enduring a run of six defeats from seven and four in a row when Chelsea came to town at the start of December, only for Daniel Farke’s men to respond with a fantastic performance and a 3-1 win over the Blues. Another big Elland Road clash followed against Liverpool, with Leeds overturning 2-0 and 3-2 deficits to snatch a draw with the final kick of the game.

Those four precious points have dragged Leeds up to 16th in the table, two points clear of West Ham United in the final relegation spot, with winnable fixtures against Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sunderland to come across the rest of December.

After that, the January transfer window opens, and despite all the positivity over the last two weeks, there’s no doubt that Leeds need further reinforcements if they’re to remain in the Premier League beyond a single season.

So, what are the latest rumours doing the rounds at Elland Road?

Door opens for Manor Solomon Leeds return

Manor Solomon holds a special place in the hearts of Leeds fans, with his 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 Championship appearances going a long way toward delivering promotion - including netting the goal that sealed the Championship title against Plymouth Argyle on the final day.

A return to Elland Road in the Premier League was muted, as well as a move to Crystal Palace, but both failed to materialise as Tottenham loaned him to Villarreal. It’s not been a happy time in Spain, however, with Solomon registering just one goal and four assists in 10 appearances so far, while he’s only managed 146 minutes in La Liga.

And according to SportsBoom, Villarreal could end the loan prematurely in January, with Leeds strongly considering bringing him back to Elland Road should that happen.

Farke could certainly benefit from an extra winger amid injury problems for Daniel James and inconsistency from Noah Okafor as he continues to adjust to life in the Premier League.

Josh Sargent move unlikely amid recent developments

Josh Sargent was heavily linked with a move to Leeds in the summer, which is hardly surprising given he played under Farke during the manager’s time at Norwich City.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have enjoyed some strong recent form, with the former netting in each of his last three appearances and the latter scoring three in his last four.

However, the duo have missed numerous big chances throughout the course of the season, and there are understandable concerns regarding their ability to sustain the returns they’ve produced recently.

Sargent started the season in red-hot form, netting six goals in his opening five appearances across all competitions. However, since then, he’s managed just one goal and three assists in 16 appearances as Norwich have struggled for form and slipped into the relegation zone.

The US international is currently nursing a head injury, and that, coupled with his extended dry spell, makes a move to Leeds or Premier League rivals Burnley unlikely, according to Football League World.

Hibs boss comments on Josh Mulligan future

The battle for European places is tight in Scotland right now, with Hibernian in fifth trailing Motherwell in third by just two points, second-place Celtic by eight points, and leaders and city rivals Hearts by 11 points.

The form of Josh Mulligan has undoubtedly been a key factor behind Hibs’ competitive start to the season. The 23-year-old midfielder has registered a goal and three assists, while he leads the way among his teammates for tackles per 90 minutes (2.3).

Mulligan’s performances this season have seen him break into the senior Scotland national team, and although he’s yet to make his debut, there’s every chance he could force his way into the 2026 World Cup squad if he maintains his current levels.

With that in mind, would a rumoured move to Leeds United in January be the right decision for Mulligan? Would that boost his chances of making the World Cup, or could the risk of reduced minutes end his national team hopes?

Hibs manager David Gray has had his say on that topic, urging his star midfielder to remain at Easter Road for now.

“I think if people are speaking well of you or highly of you, then you must be doing something right,” said Gray. “Sometimes, your job is to bring them back down to earth, but I’ve never had to do that, to be honest, with any of them here. Josh just goes about his business the same every day. I wind him up now and again for being not the brightest, but he’s a brilliant boy to work with.

“He’s one of a few of the players that will be looking at the carrot of the World Cup next summer, and potentially what could happen there. How can you give yourself the best chance? The best possible opportunity for him is to play as well as he can week in, week out. That’s his full motivation and concentration at the minute.”

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