Leeds United

2 ambitious transfers Leeds United should target between now and the end of January

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Leeds United are set to part ways with midfielder Mateusz Klich this week as he moves to the MLS with D.C. United.

With Klich departing Jesse Marsch may look to replace him during the January window. Obviously, the club is prioritising incomings to bolster his squad, such as Max Wöber and Georginio Rutter, but departures are on the agenda, too.

Klich’s exit leaves a real void in the squad not only from what he offered as a player for over five years of service, but what experience and character he brings to the dressing room as well.

Here, we look at TWO ambitious signings who could help to replace the Pole that Leeds could look to as they prepare for life without him.

Leeds United quiz: Has Mateusz Klich scored a goal against the following 15 clubs?

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Has Klich scored against Middlesbrough?

Nicolas Dominguez

Leeds now have a dearth of senior central-midfield options and the 24-year-old could be someone to help fill that void.

Dominguez is currently at Serie A side Bologna. He could present a good value but ambitious alternative to Klich given his contract is up in 18 months time. He is also exactly the sort of profile the Whites should be considering this January.

He has the engine and mobility to play Tyler Adams’ role in the double pivot, but the ball progression to play the Marc Roca role as well. The Argentine is comfortable playing off both feet, too, which is an extra added bonus to his skillset.

Adam Forshaw is the current member of the squad who covers both of the deeper roles most adequately, but Dominguez would present an upgrade in quality, in age, and with a much improved injury record as well. His ball circulation is most akin to Forshaw, too. 

He would be ambitious but affordable, and could also be used in a variety of different ways, if Leeds were to become more possession based or play a 4-3-3 alongside Adams and Roca, for example.

Davide Frattesi

Frattesi is an athletic and stylish central-midfield player and would be a no-brainer upgrade on Klich.

Currently playing for U.S. Sassuolo in Serie A, the 23-year-old’s stock has risen dramatically in the last few seasons. He is fairly well-rounded and a full Italian international already.

Frattesi’s main positions are as a deeper midfielder or box-to-box player. He can be an aggressive ball-carrier like Adams. However, his primary role with Sassuolo has been cycling the ball around short in midfield, with the occasional cross-field diagonal to mix things up. Very much akin to what both Forshaw and Roca are capable of.

Due to his versatility, like Dominguez, he too could play as either the Roca or Adams role; but he would be capable of playing alongside them to form a strong trio as well. He has the defensive capabilities and ball progression quality to be a major asset in the team. More mobile and agile than Dominguez, his dynamism in transition would also be a benefit to the Whites.

He would be costly, and ambitious, more so than Dominguez, but is a player the club should consider to replace Klich in a big way. Frattesi would be a major upgrade in quality, and would be instantly one of Leeds’ best players.

Should Leeds replace Klich this January?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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