Leeds United’s promotion rivals Burnley are reportedly eyeing up a hugely ambitious plot to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on loan in the new year.
We’re a month away from 2025 and the opening of the January transfer window, so a lot of clubs in the Championship will already be looking to get signings wrapped up early.
For Leeds, there are possibly two or three positions that could do with some investment when the new year arrives, but the same can be said of their rivals too.
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Burnley eyeing Evan Ferguson loan transfer ahead of January
A report from Alan Nixon last week shared that Scott Parker’s Burnley are eyeing a striker signing in the new year, and an incredibly ambitious one at that.
They share that the Clarets are hoping to take Brighton talent Evan Ferguson on loan for the second half of the season.
Ferguson has struggled for playing time of late after overcoming a long-term injury layoff, having started once in the Premier League this season, playing 105 minutes total in the league and scoring once.
Who should start up front for Leeds?
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford
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Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe
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Mateo Joseph
Mateo Joseph
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If Burnley have a chance to sign Ferguson, Leeds have to be in the running
One of the positions Leeds could ideally do with a signing is up front, because Daniel Farke is currently stuck between two options up front in Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph.
Piroe’s killer instinct in the box means he’s one of the best finishers in the Championship, but sorely lacks quality in other aspects of lone striker player – while Joseph is largely the opposite, very good at the ugly side of playing up front, but lacks the clinical edge to score goals that would ultimately see him keep his place.
So, if the club are looking for a signing, they should be on red alert to any updates on Ferguson’s future, even if the Telegraph report that Leicester City, Fulham, West Ham and Newcastle United are all in the running.
With the Premier League interest that Ferguson’s availability will generate, it’s very hard to see how Leeds or Burnley could come out on top, but if Burnley think they stand any chance of signing the 20-year-old in the new year, Leeds need to be muscling their way into the conversation and proving to the Republic of Ireland international that Elland Road is a more worthwhile destination than Turf Moor or any of the top flight clubs that might not guarantee starts.
Leeds need a fresh dynamic to add to their attack, and the player in question has to be able to hold their own with their back to goal, but also get into the box and on the end of chances to finish – something Ferguson’s career has already suggested he’s entirely capable of.