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Phil Hay identifies two positions Leeds United should look to strengthen in the January transfer

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Image for Phil Hay identifies two positions Leeds United should look to strengthen in the January transfer

It is clear that Leeds United need to sign a central midfielder during the January transfer window.

That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who says cover for Patrick Bamford in the number nine position could also be considered for the Whites.

It was something of a quiet summer transfer window for Leeds, with winger Dan James and left-back Junior Firpo the only two new senior regulars in the starting lineup.

Historically, the Whites have also rarely been busy when it comes to the market in January, although that may have to change this time around.

With Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace just a third league win in 14 this season, Leeds still find themselves towards the wrong end of the Premier League table, meaning they may still need to strengthen in January.

Now it seems that while Hay is not expecting a busy window, he does feel there are at least two positions that the club may need to look to add in when the market opens.

Providing an update on his expectations for the January window in a QandA for The Athletic, Hay said: “As for recruitment, I said last week that some business in January would make sense.

“It doesn’t have to be huge amount or hideously expensive but it’s been pretty comprehensively shown, for example, that without Bamford it’s not clear who should be at nine.

“And they do need another [in] midfield. That’s blindingly obvious.”

It does seem as though a new midfielder and number nine are two things Leeds should be looking into in January.

The Whites have badly struggled for a goal threat in the absence of Patrick Bamford, so some extra attacking reinforcement could benefit Leeds here.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips’ absence at times this season has badly hampered Bielsa’s side at times, so midfield is another area they could look into come January.

It will therefore be interesting to see if Leeds do indeed act in terms of bringing in these signings, given it could be crucial for their prospects of moving up the table this season.

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UCLan Sports Journalism graduate. Have been working for Leeds All Over since summer 2020, and can only be found writing on Football League World.