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2 winners and 2 losers from Leeds United’s January transfer window

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Leeds United have enjoyed a very busy transfer window to kick off 2023, and Jesse Marsch definitely now boasts a stronger side than he started the year with.

The Whites needed a strong month in January to reinstate some confidence amongst the fans ahead of the second half of the season.

They have done just that with multiple senior signings, highlighting the ambition of the club to not only back their manager, but to find a way out of the current relegation battle.

Departures have been sanctioned too, with Leeds allowing those on the fringes the chance to leave as other signings have come in.

Here, we look at two winners and two losers at Leeds following the closure of the January window…

Winner: Max Wöber

A signing that was always expected to go under the radar was that of Max Wöber, who joined first out of all for £10millon.

Strengthening the defence and the left side in particular was a key goal for January, and Leeds did that swiftly and effectively with the Austrian.

In the limited sample size of his time at the club, we can already see a player with a great reading of the game, enough pace to recover well, and passing quality that we need from the back.

It wasn’t the left-back signing we craved, but he strengthens the back four very well through us own quality and his leadership.

Loser: Diego Llorente

While Leeds brought in a centre-back, they also parted with one as well.

Diego Llorente sealed a loan move to AS Roma, with the option inserted to make the deal permanent in the summer.

What this suggests for the Spaniard is that Leeds are more than happy to cash in on him, despite him penning fresh terms just before Christmas, tying him down until 2026.

It undermines what seemed to be a show of faith from the club just over a month ago, and he is now likely to be looking for a permanent home in the summer.

Are you happy with the signing of Weston McKennie?

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Winner: Marc Roca

Roca hasn’t had a world-beating season so far for Leeds, but he’s been one of the better players, and could be even better going forward.

His ability has divided opinion of late, but there’s no denying a better setup around him would get far more out of his passing range and struggling mobility.

Weston McKennie’s arrival means Leeds are far better equipped to operate in a 4-3-3 setup, which gives Roca much more license to sit in a deeper-lying role alongside these two.

Loser: Rodrigo

Alongside a left-sided defender, the other main target Leeds had was to strengthen up front.

Rodrigo’s 12 goals in all competitions is a record that isn’t getting enough credit, and Patrick Bamford is back up to speed, so there is scope to suggest Leeds didn’t need this signing.

However, relying on Rodrigo to continue his run, and Bamford to stay fit, would be incredibly naive.

Georginio Rutter comes in as a versatile forward likely to play wherever necessary in attack, but it’s another significant outlay for an attacker that has to play most weeks.

Rodrigo might be the top-scorer this season, but Rutter joining does indicate Rodrigo might struggle to keep his place.

“Quiz:

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Which club did Leeds sign Rutter from?

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.