Leeds United have endured a fairly mediocre start to the season, all things considered. After beginning their Premier League campaign at a decent enough pace, the Whites have floundered a little in recent weeks, and find themselves 16th in the table with no wins since August 21st.
If that record were to continue, it would be no surprise to see the club push for reinforcements in the January transfer window, but who might Jesse Marsch and his board look to draft in if they were to dip their toe into the market this winter? We took to Football Manager 2022 to find out.
The popular video game franchise is renowned for its meticulous detail and authentic approach to the world of, well, football management, and we thought we’d take a look into the future by fast forwarding to the end of the 2023 January transfer window.
Despite a busy summer, the Whites look set to swoop for a number of players again in winter, with no less than four new faces in the first team by the time February rolls around. Check out Marsch’s in-game starting XI below...
1. GK: Illan Meslier
The French stopper has been touted as a potential target for Tottenham in recent times, but according to FM, he’s not going anywhere just yet. | Getty Images
2. RB: Stuart Dallas
Dallas has been sorely missed by the Whites this season, but slots straight back into the starting XI after his return from injury in-game. | Getty Images
3. CB: Issa Diop
Perhaps a little unrealistic given that he only signed for Fulham over the summer, Diop becomes the first new addition of Leeds’ January window. | Getty Images
4. CB: Pascal Struijk
After deputising at left-back during the first half of the season, Struijk is moved back to the centre of defence in the new year. | Getty Images
5. LB: Borna Sosa
Another new signing, the Croatian arrived from VfB Stuttgart to provide reinforcements at left-back. | Getty Images
6. CM: Marc Roca
The midfielder has impressed since arriving at Elland Road over the summer, and retains his place in Jesse Marsch’s plans. | Getty Images