Inside Eland Road: Angry away end
Leeds United could make the most of their Red Bull connection to sign a promising attacking midfielder this January.
Leeds United already look to have identified a forward target for the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Whites are 16th in the table with 11 points on the board from 11 games. However, they’ve managed just 10 goals so far, with only bottom-of-the-league Wolves scoring fewer with seven.
Daniel Farke’s men haven’t had a problem generating chances, sitting eighth in the league for shots attempted (132), while xG of 14.71 is mid-table. It’s taking those chances that has been the issue.
Summer arrival Dominic Calvert-Lewin has already missed six big chances, which is the third-highest in the league, but has scored just one goal, while no Leeds player has scored more than two goals in the Premier League so far.
With all of that in mind, it would come as little surprise to see United bring in an extra attacker or two this January.
Leeds targeting Brazilian attacker from Red Bull partner
Leeds might well make use of the Red Bull network in January, with reports surfacing that they’re showing interest in RB Bragantino attacking midfielder Jhon Jhon.
The 23-year-old joined the Red Bull side from Palmeiras in the summer of 2024 and has impressed so far, registering 15 goals and 12 assists in 69 appearances across all competitions - including eight goals and five assists in 29 Serie A appearances this season.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has claimed that Jhon Jhon’s name has ‘come up’ in recent conversations at Leeds, but that the Yorkshire side could face competition for his signature if they want to pursue a January move.
“He’s a fascinating player. Very interesting. A bit of an attacking midfielder, can play as a forward,” Bailey told Leeds United News.
“His name has come up in conversations with Red Bull, and he’s within the Red Bull name. He’s a good age, good player. Ticks a lot of boxes.
“Leeds aren’t the only ones looking. He’s come up in conversations, and one I’d not heard before until recently.”
No asking price has been mentioned for Jhon Jhon, but he does have a market value of €9million according to Transfermarkt, while his contract at the Estádio Municipal Cícero de Souza Marques runs until the summer of 2029, giving Bragantino a strong negotiating position.
That said, Leeds being part of the Red Bull family should help them secure more favourable terms than rival suitors.
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What next for Leeds United?
For now, Leeds must soldier on with what they have. However, they are struggling in the Premier League, losing four of their last five matches and winning just one of their last six.
And things don’t exactly get any easier for Farke’s side, who host Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool during their next four matches, with an unenviable trip to Manchester City along the way.
The table may not look too pretty at the end of that run, which would only make serious January transfer investments more likely.
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