Farke: Leeds Stronger After Transfer Window 

Key Points

• Leeds United aimed to avoid emerging weaker from the January 2026 transfer window, a goal achieved despite modest activity.​
• No statement signing like Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen materialised; he joined Crystal Palace instead.
• Daniel Farke described himself as “pretty picky” on targets and was keen on Larsen but prioritised right fits.​
• Earlier signings included Facundo Buonanotte and Leonard Ngenge; no deadline day additions despite needs at left-back and striker.​
• Farke content per The Athletic report (3 February 2026), as right profiles, especially left-back, did not emerge.​
• Leeds spent £98m this season (2025-26), up from £31m (2023-24) and £28m (2024-25).​
• Club six points above relegation zone (West Ham) with 14 Premier League matches left.​
• Wolves rejected Leeds’ £33m + £6m add-ons (£39m total), below £40m asking price; Palace secured Larsen.
• Farke historically cautious in January, calling it “difficult market” where players are overpriced or out of rhythm.​

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 4, 2026 – Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has declared the club stronger after the January transfer window despite limited activity and missing out on key target Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves, insisting the Whites achieved their core aim of not weakening the squad.​

As reported by Leon Wobschall of the Yorkshire Post, the aim of clubs across the country is not to emerge from a transfer window in a weaker position than when they entered it. Farke insists that has been achieved at Leeds United despite a modest past month. A statement signing that many supporters craved – in the shape of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen – never materialised, though the Leeds manager, who is the first to admit that he is ‘pretty picky’ when it comes to targets, was undoubtedly keen.​

What did Daniel Farke say about the transfer window outcome?

Farke’s firm declaration underscores a strategy of selectivity over volume, aligning with his past comments on January challenges.

As detailed in a report from The Athletic cited by Mot Leeds News, Farke is content with how the window went, noting the right profile did not come to light, especially in the left-back area. This stance reflects his pre-window pickiness, where he warned it is “always a bit more difficult in January” due to players being injury-prone, out of rhythm, or overpriced.

Leon Wobschall of the Yorkshire Post quoted Farke admitting his pickiness on targets, emphasising no weakening occurred. The manager’s satisfaction persists despite no deadline day deals, with earlier arrivals like Facundo Buonanotte and Leonard Ngenge bolstering the squad.​

Why was Jorgen Strand Larsen a key target for Leeds?

Leeds’ pursuit of Jorgen Strand Larsen was well-documented across outlets, positioning him as the prominent potential deal. As per TransferFeed, Leeds held talks and tabled an opening £30m plus add-ons offer, rejected by Wolves, followed by a raised £33m plus £6m add-ons bid, £1m shy of Wolves’ £40m asking price. Wolves were open to the sale, viewing January as their best chance for a sizeable fee.

TeamTalk reported Leeds’ final stance at no more than £40m, but Crystal Palace hijacked after Leeds refused to exceed £39m total (£33m upfront + £6m add-ons). David Ornstein confirmed talks, while The Athletic noted Leeds’ enquiry for the 25-year-old, who scored six goals in 23 appearances amid Wolves’ struggles. Strand Larsen passed Palace’s medical, obliterating their transfer record, with Leeds fans reacting with glee, claiming they “dodged a bullet”.

Which positions did Leeds seek to strengthen?

Beyond Larsen for striker competition, Leeds targeted upgrades at left-back and other spots, per Mot Leeds News. Farke highlighted needs in defence and attack, unable to add on deadline day despite ambitions.

The Athletic’s 3 February report affirmed no suitable left-back emerged, aligning with Farke’s contentment.​

Historical context from InsideFutbol shows Farke’s “especially picky” approach in January 2025, prioritising players who “hit the ground running” without premiums. Mot Leeds News noted wants for striker and left-side defence depth, profiling Larsen akin to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.

How active was Leeds in the January 2026 window?

Activity was modest: Buonanotte and Ngenge arrived earlier, but deadline day yielded nothing. Yorkshire Post’s Leon Wobschall described it as “modest past month”, fulfilling the non-weakening goal. Leeds United News previews noted potential for mid-season additions to ensure promotion push, though contextually now Premier League survival.

Spending context: £98m this season versus prior years, sailing close to Profit and Sustainability margins, prioritising long-term health. No panic buys, as signing for numbers’ sake is not viable for 49ers Enterprises.​

What risks does Leeds face post-window?

Mot Leeds News warns lack of business is a “huge risk” with stakes high; poor form could drag them into relegation fight. Currently six points above West Ham in final spot, 14 matches remain. Further depth might have comforted survival chances, but financial prudence prevails.​

Farke’s no-first-team exits policy from prior windows reinforces unity. If Leeds stay up, no-panic decision proves masterclass; failure looks disastrous.

What is Leeds United’s current Premier League position?

Sitting six points clear of relegation with 14 games left, Leeds eye stability under Farke. Recent form includes facing top sides, with Farke praising squad health absent key losses. No panic over outgoings, unlike past Januaries.​​

How does Farke view January windows generally?

Farke deems January “difficult market”, per InsideFutbol: clubs rarely get immediate-impact players cheaply. He stated: “You either get a player who is quite often a problem because he hasn’t played that much or comes back from injury or if you want a player in his best rhythm, then you have to spend lots of money and then very often, the player is also overpriced.”​

Yahoo Sports quoted Farke prioritising continuity:

“No intention of letting any player leave our group because it is a close-knit team.”

BBC Sport noted he’s “not a big fan” of January, expecting little incoming.

What next for Leeds United after transfers?

Focus shifts to pitch, with Farke content amid tight schedule. Transfer tracker urges monitoring done deals and reaction. Survival hinges on current squad, with Larsen’s miss potentially a dodged bullet per fans.

This comprehensive coverage draws from multiple sources, attributing statements precisely: Leon Wobschall (Yorkshire Post) on Farke’s declaration; Mot Leeds News on deadline feelings and The Athletic cite; TeamTalk on Larsen fees; InsideFutbol on pickiness. Leeds’ prudent window positions them steadily, per Farke’s firm stance.