Leeds United transfer latest as Dutch defender linked and Whites winger looks to 'new experience'
The latest transfer talk from Elland Road as Leeds United consider adding to their squad during the January transfer window.
Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for versatile Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde.
The Whites have already started their January transfer window business with the loan signing of Brighton and Hove Albion attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte after he was recalled from a similar spell at Chelsea. There has also been one departure in recent days after winger Jack Harrison completed a loan move to Serie A club Fiorentina and that move could become a permanent switch during the summer.
Although a defender is not believed to be at the top of the list of priorities for the Whites, manager Daniel Farke has admitted that thought process could change if the hamstring injury picked up by Jaka Bijol proves to be worse than first feared.
Speaking after the win against Fulham, Farke said of a possible move for a defender: "I think it depends a bit on how the next days will develop. It's predicted three to five weeks, we will see. Let's see how it develops. Important player for us. If there would be a set-back with Jaka's rehab late in January we would react. But until then I'm fine. If something strange happens I think we should react but at the moment there's no need for panic."
Although the YEP understands adding a striker to Farke’s squad remains the priority with just under a fortnight remaining in the transfer window, The Sun have claimed Leeds and Nottingham Forest have ‘expressed an interest’ in Fenerbahce defender Oosterwolde. The 24-year-old joined the Turkish Super Lig giants from Parma in 2023 and was in impressive form before he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury in October 2024. After returning to contention during the final month of last season, Oosterwolde has been a regular in the Fenerbahce side throughout the current campaign as his side continue to challenge for the league title with arch rivals Galatasaray.
However, Crystal Palace are said to be at the head of the queue for the Dutch defender after ‘stepping up their interest’ in the versatile defender following the sale of captain Marc Guehi to Premier League rivals Manchester City. Oosterwolde is said to be ‘a strong candidate’ to replace the England international - although Palace are ‘yet to enter club-to-club negotiations’ according to the report.
The news comes just under a week after Eagles boss Oliver Glasner criticised Palace for the timing of the sale of Guehi as he said: “We feel like we’re being abandoned completely. Selling our captain one day before a game – there is no understanding for this. We are preparing and I get told that our captain will be sold, but why not next week? It makes me really upset. I’ve just got no understanding.”
Whites star excited by Italy move
Leeds United winger Jack Harrison has opened up on his loan move to Serie A club Fiorentina.
The former New York City and Middlesbrough star has endured a frustrating period in his career after struggling to make an impact during two separate loan stints at Everton and failing to break into Daniel Farke’s side on a regular basis. He will now hope to an improvement in fortunes after agreeing to spend the remainder of the season with Fiorentina and the winger is hoping to making the most of ‘a new experience’.
“I’m excited to get started and meet my team-mates. Viola Park is a beautiful place, I can’t wait to train and embark on this new adventure”, Harrison told his new club’s official channel. “It’s a new experience for me, but I’m always open to it. I haven’t been there [to Florence] yet, so if anyone has any suggestions, I’m ready to listen.”
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