Leeds United are making moves for the January transfer window as manager Daniel Farke aims to stay competitive with Sunderland at the top of the Championship table.
This afternoon, Leeds host Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road as part of their ongoing campaign for promotion back to the Premier League.
Despite a summer that saw the departure of several key players, including Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter, and Archie Gray, Leeds has remained resilient and is firmly in the race for top-flight return.
Currently, Leeds sits just five points behind the league leaders and is level on points with Burnley, who occupy the Championship’s second automatic promotion slot.
Farke’s side has only suffered one defeat so far this season, winning six matches and drawing five of their other 11 games.
Although Farke may wish some of those draws had turned into wins, he has been able to navigate the season’s challenges effectively, including injuries to several critical players.
One notable injury was to summer signing Manor Solomon, who missed four league games due to a hamstring issue.
The Israeli international has been working his way back into form, starting with his return against Sheffield United in late October.
However, Leeds’ injury concerns persist, with key players such as Daniel James and Patrick Bamford potentially unavailable for the Plymouth match.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Farke provided an update on team fitness: “Wober has been back in training since Tuesday after a five-and-a-half-week absence.
He could be involved before the next international break,” Farke noted.
“Joe Gelhardt’s availability will be a late decision, as well as Daniel James, who has a hamstring problem, and Patrick Bamford, dealing with an adductor issue.
Final tests will be tomorrow to determine if they’ll be fit to play.”
Leeds is also actively looking to bolster their squad in January, with injuries underscoring the need for greater depth as they push for promotion.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke reports for Football Insider that Leeds has shown interest in Lewis O’Brien, a 26-year-old midfielder currently on loan with Los Angeles FC from Nottingham Forest.
O’Brien, who appears to be out of favor under Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, could present an opportunity for Leeds to strengthen their midfield.
O’Rourke notes that former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was close to signing O’Brien during his tenure, so the club is already familiar with the player’s capabilities.
O’Brien has become a mainstay in Steve Cherundolo’s squad at LAFC, making nine full starts and registering one assist.
Adding O’Brien could provide Farke with a versatile and experienced midfield option, supporting Leeds’ ambition to remain strong contenders for automatic promotion.
