Key Points
- Cesc Fàbregas, manager of Como 1907, is targeting an unnamed “Leeds United ace” for a potential transfer before the 2 February 2026 deadline.
- Leeds United may allow multiple player exits from Elland Road amid ongoing transfer activity in the January window.
- Leeds are actively pursuing Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, but Crystal Palace have intervened, potentially hijacking the deal.
- Leeds head coach Daniel Farke may have to abandon his pursuit of Strand Larsen if Palace succeed.
- Recent outgoing transfers from Leeds include Jack Harrison on loan to Fiorentina and Harry Gray on loan to Rotherham United.
- No specific Leeds player has been publicly named as Fàbregas’s target, fuelling speculation among fans and media.
- The transfer window closes on Monday, 2 February 2026, leaving limited time for negotiations.
Leeds, England (The Leeds Times) January 30, 2026 – Leeds United could commission a number of transfer exits before Monday’s deadline as Como 1907 manager Cesc Fàbregas eyes a move for one of the club’s key assets. Despite ongoing efforts to secure Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, head coach Daniel Farke faces competition from Crystal Palace, which may shift focus to outgoing business at Elland Road. Recent departures like Jack Harrison to Fiorentina and Harry Gray to Rotherham underscore Leeds’s willingness to trim the squad in the final days of the window.
- Key Points
- Who is Cesc Fàbregas Targeting at Leeds United?
- Why Are Leeds Considering Player Exits Now?
- What is the Status of Jorgen Strand Larsen’s Potential Transfer?
- Has Jack Harrison’s Loan Move Impacted Leeds’s Plans?
- What Lessons Emerge from Harry Gray’s Rotherham Loan?
- Where Does Elland Road Fit in Transfer Narratives?
- Who is Daniel Farke in This Transfer Saga?
- Could This Deal Benefit All Parties Involved?
- What Happens if Crystal Palace Secure Strand Larsen?
- When Does the Transfer Window Close?
Who is Cesc Fàbregas Targeting at Leeds United?
Cesc Fàbregas, the former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder turned Como manager, has reportedly set his sights on a Leeds United player as the January transfer window nears its close. According to reports from MOT Leeds News, Fàbregas wants a “Leeds United ace” to bolster his Serie A promotion-chasing side, with a late-window exit still possible before the 2 February deadline. The story, originating from transfer insiders, highlights Fàbregas’s ambition to strengthen Como’s squad amid their impressive campaign in Italy’s top flight.
As detailed in the MOT Leeds News article by their transfer correspondent, the interest comes at a time when Leeds are balancing incomings and outgoings.
“Cesc Fabregas wants Leeds United ace at Como as late-window exit still on,”
the headline declares, emphasising the urgency with the deadline looming. No specific name has been attached to the rumour, prompting widespread speculation across Yorkshire football circles about potential candidates from Farke’s squad.
Why Are Leeds Considering Player Exits Now?
Leeds United’s transfer strategy this January has involved both pursuit of reinforcements and sanctioning departures to manage squad depth and finances. MOT Leeds News reports that
“Leeds United could commission a number of transfer exits before Monday’s deadline,”
signalling openness to deals that suit all parties. This follows the club’s promotion push in the Championship, where maintaining competitiveness requires careful wage management.
The context includes recent loans: Jack Harrison signing on loan with Fiorentina, as covered extensively by MOT Leeds News in their opinion piece urging further January action post-departure. Similarly, Harry Gray has joined Rotherham United on loan, with the site revealing early lessons from his stint. These moves, as per MOT Leeds News transfer updates, demonstrate Leeds’s proactive approach to player development and squad rotation.
Daniel Farke, Leeds’s German head coach, has been central to these decisions. Tagged prominently in MOT Leeds News coverage, Farke’s post-Harrison comments prompted calls for reinforcements, illustrating the interconnected nature of ins and outs.
What is the Status of Jorgen Strand Larsen’s Potential Transfer?
A key subplot is Leeds’s bid for Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves. MOT Leeds News provides an “immediate Jorgen Strand Larsen to Leeds United update,” noting Crystal Palace have swooped in, potentially collapsing Leeds’s hopes.
“Despite the fact Leeds are still pushing to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen after Crystal Palace have swooped in,”
the report states, indicating Farke may concede defeat.
The Norwegian striker, on loan at Mallorca last season, has been a target for Championship sides seeking firepower. Palace’s intervention, as per the MOT Leeds News link, has introduced late drama, with Leeds now eyeing alternatives or focusing on sales. This development, reported directly by MOT Leeds News transfers desk, underscores the fluid nature of deadline-day dealings.
Has Jack Harrison’s Loan Move Impacted Leeds’s Plans?
Jack Harrison’s departure to Fiorentina on loan has been a significant outgoing. MOT Leeds News opinion writers argue Leeds
“have to push for January signing after what Daniel Farke said about Jack Harrison exit.”
Farke praised Harrison’s contributions but accepted the winger’s need for game time, aligning with Leeds’s policy of loaning fringe players.
The move to Serie A giants Fiorentina provides Harrison, a Leeds academy product, with high-level exposure. MOT Leeds News coverage highlights how this exit has freed wages and squad space, potentially facilitating further business as Fàbregas circles.
What Lessons Emerge from Harry Gray’s Rotherham Loan?
Youngster Harry Gray’s loan to Rotherham United has also drawn attention. MOT Leeds News reveals
“Leeds United hit with Harry Gray reality as Rotherham lesson revealed already.”
The report details early challenges for the promising talent, serving as a reminder of the risks in lower-league loans.
Gray, part of Leeds’s youth setup, joined League One Rotherham for development minutes. As per the MOT Leeds News transfer piece, initial realities have tempered expectations, but the club views it as a vital step. This fits broader patterns of Leeds offloading youth to gain experience, mirroring potential Como interest.
Where Does Elland Road Fit in Transfer Narratives?
Elland Road, Leeds United’s iconic stadium, remains the hub of activity. MOT Leeds News frequently references the venue in transfer contexts, noting
“attentions at Elland Road may well turn to what outgoing business they can do before the 2 February deadline.”
With capacity crowds backing Farke’s side, any exits must preserve promotion aspirations.
The stadium’s page on MOT Leeds News symbolises club heritage, but pragmatic sales are key to sustainability under EFL rules. Fàbregas’s interest adds intrigue, potentially linking Yorkshire grit with Italian flair.
Who is Daniel Farke in This Transfer Saga?
Daniel Farke, Leeds United’s head coach, is pivotal. MOT Leeds News tags him across stories, from Harrison’s exit to Strand Larsen pursuit.
“Daniel Farke may have to concede defeat in his pursuit of the Wolves striker,”
the site reports, capturing his balancing act.
Farke’s tenure has stabilised Leeds post-relegation, blending youth and experience. His comments on exits, as quoted in MOT Leeds News, emphasise squad harmony, influencing decisions amid Fàbregas’s advances.
Could This Deal Benefit All Parties Involved?
Como’s rise under Fàbregas, a 38-year-old managerial prodigy, makes them attractive for loanees seeking top-flight minutes. Leeds benefit from financial flexibility, while the player gains Serie A exposure akin to Harrison. Speculation centres on fringe first-teamers or high-potential youngsters fitting the “ace” description.
As MOT Leeds News club page notes, Leeds have “let a couple of players depart West Yorkshire this winter.” Extending this trend could materialise before deadline, with Fàbregas’s pull a factor.
What Happens if Crystal Palace Secure Strand Larsen?
Should Palace land Strand Larsen, Leeds pivot to outgoings gains urgency. MOT Leeds News’s linked update stresses the “collapse close,” forcing Farke to adapt. This scenario amplifies Fàbregas’s opportunity, as Leeds streamline for summer ambitions.
No other sources contradict MOT Leeds News, which dominates coverage. Fan forums echo the ace mystery, but official silence prevails.
When Does the Transfer Window Close?
The window shuts at 7pm GMT on Monday, 2 February 2026, per Premier League and EFL rules. MOT Leeds News frames all activity against this ticking clock, heightening stakes for Leeds and Como.
