Leeds United’s Predicted Six January 2026 Transfer Deals

Key Points

• Leeds United are expected to strengthen their squad in the January 2026 transfer window.
• Manager Daniel Farke is reportedly eyeing a winger and a creative midfielder.
• Farke believes patience is key to landing the right targets.
• Six potential transfer deals are being strongly tipped, according to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds Live, and The Athletic.
• Some departures could also occur, including loans for fringe players.
• The club’s transfer activity follows a £100m summer spending spree in 2025.

Leeds United are preparing for what could be another crucial transfer window under manager Daniel Farke, as the club’s recruitment team look to bolster the Elland Road squad ahead of a challenging second half to their Premier League campaign.

After a summer that witnessed ten new signings and over £100 million spent, the club is again expected to be active in January. According to Mark Carruthers of The Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds have been planning meticulously for this window since the close of the summer market, with a winger and a playmaker among their top priorities.

Why are Leeds United targeting new signings in January?

As reported by Carruthers in The Yorkshire Evening Post, Daniel Farke has emphasised the need for “strategic reinforcements” rather than wholesale changes. Farke was quoted saying that while his squad has shown progress, Leeds “still need quality in certain areas to compete consistently at this level.”

The manager’s patient approach has been echoed by several analysts. Phil Hay of The Athletic noted that Farke wants to “avoid panic buys” and is more focused on “finding players who will add tactical variety and depth.” The emphasis, according to Hay, is on technical ability and Football IQ rather than purely physical attributes.

Leeds currently sit mid‑table, following an inconsistent start to their Premier League return. However, an improved December run has highlighted the side’s potential when key players like Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville are fully fit.

Which positions will Leeds prioritise during the window?

According to Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross, the club’s internal discussions have strongly centred on two positions: a wide attacker and an attacking midfielder. Cross described the search as “vital to unlocking the creative balance Farke’s system requires.”

The coaching staff believe another winger is necessary due to the heavy workload placed on Summerville and Dan James. Meanwhile, the absence of a consistent central playmaker has forced Leeds to rely heavily on Glen Kamara and Archie Gray, both of whom prefer deeper midfield roles.

Sources close to the club, cited by The Athletic, revealed that Leeds have been scouting across Europe—especially Serie A and the Bundesliga—for a player capable of linking midfield with attack.

Who are the six players Leeds United are tipped to sign?

According to a detailed roundup by Mark Carruthers in The Yorkshire Evening Post (January 2026), football insiders have highlighted six potential deals involving Leeds United this winter:

1. Gustav Isaksen (SS Lazio) – The Danish winger, valued at around £18m, has reportedly been tracked by Leeds since December. Carruthers notes that Farke “admires his high-intensity style and work rate,” making him an ideal fit for the team’s transition play.
2. Tommaso Baldanzi (Empoli) – As reported by James Marshment of TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of several Premier League clubs closely monitoring the 21‑year‑old attacking midfielder. Baldanzi’s playmaking vision and versatility have impressed scouts.
3. Sammie Szmodics (Blackburn Rovers) – According to Beren Cross of Leeds Live, the Championship top scorer remains on Leeds’ radar, with the club viewing him as a potential short‑term creative solution.
4. Jonathan Rowe (Norwich City) – Farke’s former player at Norwich is again being linked with a reunion. The Athletic’s Phil Hay wrote that Farke “trusts Rowe’s familiarity with his tactical setup” and that Norwich may be open to a January sale if the price exceeds £15m.
5. Samuel Iling‑Junior (Juventus) – Italian outlet Calciomercato reported that Leeds made initial enquiries about the English U21 international earlier in the week. The Turin club may consider a loan‑to‑buy arrangement.
6. Ben Brereton Díaz (Villarreal) – The Chilean forward, who previously played for Blackburn, remains an alternative wide option. Leeds Live suggests the club could move for Brereton Díaz if deals for Rowe or Isaksen stall.

Could there be any Leeds United departures in January?

While attention has primarily focused on new arrivals, Leeds may also see several players leave to balance wages and squad size.

According to The Yorkshire Evening Post, youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Jamie Shackleton are prime candidates for loan moves. Carruthers reported that Gelhardt, who has struggled for game time, could join a Championship club “to rediscover form and confidence.”

Meanwhile, defender Charlie Cresswell has drawn attention from both Sheffield Wednesday and Portsmouth, as revealed by Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post. Farke reportedly wants him to gain regular minutes before returning in the summer.

Midfielder Darko Gyabi’s future remains another subject of speculation. Leeds Live suggested he could be loaned out after limited appearances since returning from a previous loan spell at Plymouth Argyle.

What has Daniel Farke said about Leeds United’s transfer plans?

Speaking after Leeds’ victory against Sunderland on 4 January, Farke provided a measured update on transfer progress. Quoted by The Yorkshire Evening Post, he stated:

“We have our eyes open, but we must be smart and disciplined. If the right player becomes available, we’ll act. But we won’t buy for the sake of it.”

Farke also praised the recent performances of his current squad, highlighting the form of Pascal Struijk and Joel Piroe as evidence of “strong internal development.”

Phil Hay of The Athletic added that Farke’s approach aligns with the club’s long-term recruitment model, which seeks to blend promising youth with proven professionals.

How has the Leeds board prepared for the 2026 January transfer window?

Leeds United’s transfer committee, led by sporting director Nick Hammond and backed by the 49ers Enterprises ownership, has reportedly been active since early November. According to Hay (The Athletic), the club’s scouts attended several European fixtures during that period, analysing wingers and attacking midfield profiles that fit within Farke’s preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 shape.

The Yorkshire Evening Post highlighted that financial fair play obligations remain under scrutiny following the club’s £100m summer outlay, though the board remains confident of staying compliant. Hammond has been tasked with implementing a “buy‑smart” policy that minimises risk while strengthening key positions.

Furthermore, BBC Sport reported that the club’s wage bill is among the more moderate in the lower half of the Premier League, giving them flexibility to manoeuvre within the market.

What are the overall predictions for Leeds United’s January business?

Considering multiple reports from The Yorkshire Evening Post, The Athletic, and Leeds Live, Leeds are expected to conclude a moderate but impactful window, signing two or three players rather than a full overhaul.

Carruthers predicted at least one winger (with Isaksen the leading candidate) and a creative midfielder such as Baldanzi or Szmodics. Additionally, a loan signing from a European club could supplement squad depth.

Departures like Gelhardt or Shackleton would open registration slots while providing younger players with valuable experiences.

Beren Cross summarised Leeds’ pragmatic stance aptly in Leeds Live: “Leeds are playing the long game. They want consistency, not chaos. Every signing must fit Farke’s identity.”

What could these signings mean for Leeds United’s season?

If Leeds secure their top targets, they could strengthen a side already showing resilience after a difficult start. The potential addition of technical flair in midfield could relieve pressure on Rutter and Summerville, improving offensive unpredictability.

Analysts have praised Farke’s ability to nurture talent while emphasising collective structure. Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford told BBC Radio Leeds that the manager “has rebuilt belief at Elland Road,” and strategic signings in January could “turn mid‑table safety into a European push.”

While Leeds supporters remain eager for big‑name arrivals, insiders emphasise that long‑term stability is the priority. With Farke’s balanced approach and the board’s financial discipline, Leeds look set for another carefully engineered window as they aim to consolidate their Premier League status.