Effective recruitment is imperative to Leeds’ season
Strengthening the side in January is crucial for the Whites if they are to have a maintained push for a top-six finish.
I always find the January transfer window interesting. I think because we talk about it for so long beforehand, it often goes by in underwhelming fashion. This might be just because I support Leeds United and every year the club misses a trick during the window and we are left cursing it until the end of the season… and in some cases beyond that.
If utilised effectively, the January window can work as a catalyst for a team to have a sustained promotion challenge. I still believe the poor recruitment last January played a major part in the collapse at Leeds. It is imperative that the club does not let history repeat itself and ensures we strengthen accordingly.
To be frank, the recruitment needed for us to push is minimal, probably the least we have needed in some time. Don’t get me wrong, I would love a plethora of new talent, but realistically a couple of solid new signings and we will be flying.
We have signed 19-year-old Aapo Halme, but the young Finnish defender will mostly feature in the development squad and will take time to adjust to what is a very physical and demanding Championship.
You can see through the reaction in recent weeks the consensus between the fanbase to which positions need further depth. Most of us agree a left back is the priority position. The current situation has us playing players out of position to fill the void. We still need a natural left back, not only to benefit the team but also to allow Berardi and Anita to be used more effectively.
The other position for me is up front. Overall, I have been pleased with Leeds going forward this season. Thomas Christiansen has added a more fluid attacking approach which has paid dividends in terms of the sharing of the goal scoring responsibilities. However, if we can add a striker who has proven goal scoring pedigree in the Championship, it will make a massive difference to our season.
Other positions have been highlighted — central midfield and the goal keeper are commonly mentioned. However, we seem to becoming more settled in those areas and have decent go-to options. The central midfield is full of dynamic young talent, and I think that to disturb the growing understanding would hinder rather than help. I think the same has to be said between the sticks: Felix Wiedwald looks like he has finally shaken off his demons and has played a pivotal part in recent results. To bring somebody else in would ruin any chance of Wiedwald being successful in English football.
You can understand clubs taking a reserved approach with recruitment. Financial status at Football League clubs can be fragile and finely balanced, but Leeds are a club at a crossroads staring at the real possibility of Premier League football.
The club has had such a positive journey in recent times, it would be foolish for us not implement further changes to ensure we stay en route to once again becoming a Premier League club. That is something I thought would never happen just 18 months ago. MOT
