Leeds could sign a game-changing replacement for Gnonta
The January transfer window was a quiet month Leeds Unitedwith no deals still pending after two weeks of opening.
Daniel Farke has led his side to the top Priority in the table with only 20 games to go, undoubtedly in the best position to return to the Premier League at the end of May.
Previous additions from the summer transfer window have helped the Whites maintain their current league position, arguably playing a key role in their recent success in England’s second division.
Jayden Bogle and Ao Tanaka moved to Elland Road ahead of the 2024/25 season, with both wasting no time in cementing their places as regular starters, appeared in 24 and 23 league games respectively.
However, despite a quiet start to the window, there could be a surge with just a few weeks remaining – with endless names now in the hat over a potential move.
Leeds United transfer activity in January
Louie Barry is a player who has constantly on the club’s radar in recent weeks after being recalled from his loan spell at Stockport County, where he managed to tear League One apart.
The 21-year-old managed to score 15 goals in only 23 appearances for Dave Challinor’s side, and parent club Aston Villa want him to prove himself at a higher level.
Derby County and Celtic have joined Farke’s side in the race in recent weeks, but it is unclear where the youngster will end up until the end of the month.
However, the current star of the first team Wilfried Gnonto he came back into the limelight after a number of outfits showed interest in his services in recent days.
Football Insider reported that there is concrete interest of Saudi Arabia about a potential move, which could result in a lot of money being wasted.
Undoubtedly, no Leeds fan would want to lose one of their stars, but given his return, justified four goals and five assists – the club could be tempted to make money.
The 21-year-old would be a huge loss, but perhaps they could find the perfect replacement in the form of a talent who previously starred under Farke.
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Leeds could make a better move than Barry
Rumors of a potential move for Barry have undoubtedly fueled excitement among fans – especially after his excellent return to the minor leagues.
However, many would fear the fact that they will lose Italian winger Gnonto, especially given his tender age, who possesses a lot of quality to potentially improve further.
The club would be foolish to turn down an overwhelming offer from the Middle East, believing in the club’s recruitment drive – looking to replicate the kind of work they did during the summer window.
As a result, they could turn to the Aston Villa striker Emiliano Buendia this month, and the Argentine would potentially be available on loan at Leeds previously interested in the deal for the striker after a long break due to injury.
The 28-year-old has he made only 16 appearances to date in the 2024/25 season, with the vast majority coming off the bench, opening the door to a temporary exit.
Buendia previously featured under Farke at Norwich, playing a key role in their 2020/21 promotion campaign. scored 15 goals and 16 assists in just 39 outings – going on to win the player of the year award.
His career has stumbled of late, but could be resurrected with a return under his former manager, hopefully showing his “game changing” qualities as labeled by former boss Ruben de la Barrera.
Despite his lack of minutes, he still produced a host of impressive attacking stats, many of which blew the young Barry out of the water – highlighting how he could be a key addition for the Whites.
How Buendia compares to Barry in the 2024/25 season |
||
---|---|---|
Statistics (at 90) |
Buendia |
Barry |
Games played |
10 |
23 |
Goals and assists |
0 |
18 |
Progressive additions |
6.3 |
3.2 |
Recorded footage |
5.1 |
3.6 |
Adding accuracy |
82% |
74% |
Offenses defeated |
5 |
1.3 |
Tackles won |
6.2 |
0.5 |
Statistics via FBref |
His recent injury record may worry many, but his stats when fully fit speak for themselves, undoubtedly giving the club a boost in their title ambitions.
The extra quality wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially Farke, potentially giving him the chance to forget Gnont should the Italian move away from Elland Road this window.