Leeds United wrapped up the summer transfer window with a busy period, making eight new signings while also letting go of eight players and sending five out on loan.
With many players leaving the club on free transfers, the club is now looking ahead to the January transfer window.
There are still some gaps in the squad, and some players may want to find new clubs.
Here are five players who might leave Leeds in January:
Joe Gelhardt: The Need for Game Time
Joe Gelhardt is a name that many Leeds fans remember fondly. Once praised by football legend Alan Shearer, who called him “magic” Gelhardt has been compared to Wayne Rooney.
However, the young striker currently sits as the fourth-choice center-forward under manager Daniel Farke.
With so much competition for places, Gelhardt is likely to find it hard to get regular game time.
A loan move in January could help him regain his form and confidence by allowing him to play more regularly at another club.
Max Wober: Under Scrutiny
Max Wober is a player whose future at Leeds is still uncertain.
Although he has shown he has the skills needed to play at a high level, including being an Austria international, some fans are not completely convinced about his place in the team.
Last season, he was a first-choice player at Borussia Mönchengladbach, but he now finds himself behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk in the pecking order.
Galatasaray showed interest in Wober during the summer, and if they or another club are willing to pay his £12.5 million price tag, a transfer in January could become a reality.
Luca Thomas: A Bright Future Ahead
Luca Thomas has made a fantastic start to the season, scoring three goals in three matches for Leeds’ U21 side.
His excellent performances earned him the U21 Player of the Month award for August.
However, Thomas is in the final year of his contract, and if he wants to secure a new deal, he needs to gain experience in the first team.
With several strikers ahead of him, a loan move to another club could be beneficial for his development and give him the senior game time he needs.
Junior Firpo: A Resurgence in Form
Junior Firpo has been one of Leeds’ standout players this season.
After struggling with injuries in the past, the former Barcelona defender is now showing what he can do on the pitch.
However, like Thomas, Firpo’s contract is set to expire next summer, which means non-English clubs can approach him for a pre-contract agreement in January.
If he continues to perform well, other clubs may be keen to sign him, putting Leeds in a tricky situation regarding his future.
Charlie Crew: The Rising Star
Charlie Crew is another exciting talent emerging from Leeds’ academy.
Despite already earning caps for the Wales national team, he has yet to make his senior debut for Leeds under Farke.
The arrival of new signings Ao Tanaka and Joe Rothwell has pushed Crew further down the line for a first-team spot.
A loan move in January could be a wise decision for both Crew and Leeds, allowing him to gain valuable experience and minutes on the pitch.
As the January transfer window approaches, Leeds United will need to carefully consider the futures of these five players.
Each one has the potential to shine, but with the right opportunities, they could flourish elsewhere.
The transfer team will need to work hard to ensure that the squad is balanced and ready for the second half of the season, making decisions that will benefit both the players and the club.
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