Leeds United’s January spending is going to see them aim to make a similar signing to that of Raphinha and Luis Sinisterra as they look to bolster Jesse Marsch’s setup.
Leeds have two Premier League games to focus on before the start of the January window, but Victor Orta will already be working hard to bring in key signings in the new year.
Two positions look to be the priority in Marsch’s setup, with the defence and attack in need of investment to drag Leeds away from the relegation scrap.
Who Leeds sign in the next month remains to be seen, but you’d expect the club to show some ambition after previous attempts to strengthen the side, especially in attack.
Perfect examples of what Leeds want to bring in is the sort of ‘hidden gem’ quality that Raphinha and Luis Sinisterra brought, and for £17million and £21million apiece, they’re exceptional value too.
Finding that sort of value in January is incredibly hard, with selling clubs not willing to part with their best players for anything other than inflated fees.
However, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Joe Donnohue has outlined that this is the route the club are aiming to go down with whomever they sign.
“Unbeknownst to the wider public, Orta’s scouting network will have eyes on several players, not exclusively those who have shone at the World Cup such as Gakpo. Prices are often inflated on the back of promising or breakout tournament displays and while the market swells to lure those who the hype surrounds, there are often alternatives which fly under the radar.
“The hope for Leeds is that Orta’s network can deliver another Sinisterra or Raphinha for a more palatable sum than the £50 million that PSV are likely to command for Gakpo’s services next month. Despite blistering form, there is an argument that figure may no longer represent value for money.”
Will Leeds sign Matheus Cunha?
Yes
No
It’s a tall order trying to get great value-for-money in the January window, while also bringing in a player that can make an instant impact mid-season.
You’re looking at finding a near-perfect signing in a heavily-contested part of the season where every club around us is looking for similar.
I’d back Orta and his staff to be able to source that sort of player, it’s just a case of whether they can actually land them.