Leeds United failed to bring in an attacker towards the end of the transfer window despite moves for both Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Wilson, and may have to do some work in January.
Farke called for more attacking options after the draw against Newcastle, but he was let down by the club’s transfer team. Robbie Evans said the plan is to avoid doing any business in the January window.
However, reports have since said that Leeds are planning to make some signings in the winter window. According to Evans, Leeds have maxed out PSR this year and would need to sell before spending cash.
One player that Leeds could look to sign is Anderlecht attacker Mario Stroeykens after holding talks during the summer. The Belgian talent has earned an exciting reputation after his breakthrough.
Anderlecht CEO Tim Borguet.
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images
Anderlecht CEO admits Mario Stroeykens could leave on a free
Leeds tried to save money and reduce transfer expenditure by targeting players in the final year of their contracts. It saw Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and James Justin all join The Whites.
Stroeykens is in the same position, though Anderlecht will have to sell in January for a cut-price fee if they are to receive any money for him. That is, of course, unless Anderlecht can tempt him to sign a new deal.
Quoted by VoetbalKrant, Anderlecht’s CEO Tim Borguet said Anderlecht will open talks over a deal for Stroeykens, but says he might not sign. Same for Yari Verschaeren, who also has a deal ending in 2026.
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“Yari and Mario are both in different situations. A transfer is often the result of the right moment and the right club. Mario has been struggling with injuries. We’ll have a meeting with him soon, Yari as well.”
“It’s a matter of seeing how they view their future and whether we can align that with our vision,” Borguet continued on Anderlecht’s two contract rebels. “Extending their contracts? That’s one of the possibilities.”
Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens playing in a game against Royal Antwerp.
Photo by Sebastien Smets / Photonews via Getty Images
What happened in the summer and Leeds’ rivals for Stroeykens
It is claimed that Stroeykens has already turned down a new deal at Anderlecht, and it is unclear if his stance has changed. Given the rumours of a move, it suggests £12m-rated Stroeykens wants a transfer.
The 20-year-old, who can play on either side of the attack or as a no.10, had a hand in 12 goals last season. Still young, Stroeykens has now clocked up a massive 142 senior appearances for Anderlecht.
However, Leeds are not alone in the race to land the Belgium U21 star. It is claimed that West Ham made an offer for Stroeykens, believed to be around £8.5m. In January, he will be cheap and next summer, free.