The January transfer window is fast approaching and for Leeds United fans, the approach should be clear: Leeds need firepower. Well, reports claim Leeds could take some advice from Paul Merson.
Nine goals in 11 Premier League games is proof enough that Leeds are not creative enough in the final third, and are certainly not taking the limited chances they do create. That needs to change, to stay up.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
A couple of proven Premier League attackers in the January window would go down well with Leeds fans who feel the club is teetering. Comparisons have been made to Jesse Marsch’s Leeds back in 2022-23.
Leeds need attacking reinforcements, and reports this week claim Leeds are eyeing Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling ahead of the winter window. A loan deal could be in the offing for the England star.
Paul Merson on punditry duty in the North London derby.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson told Leeds to sign Raheem Sterling in the summer
Sterling has not played a single minute for Chelsea this season, having returned from a loan at Arsenal in the summer. The former Liverpool and Man City ace has been exiled by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.
Reports say Leeds are alert to Sterling’s situation and while he might prefer to remain in London, Leeds could prove tempting with the promise of regular football. It comes after Merson suggested such a deal.
Back in April, shortly after Leeds had secured promotion, Merson said a move to Elland Road would make sense for Sterling: “He needs to go and play football, week in, week out to get some rhythm.
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“If I was at Leeds, I would look at Raheem. He has experience, they’re a young team he’s very good in the dressing room, a good team player. Wouldn’t be a bad move for Leeds, or Sterling. That ticks the box.”
Archie Gray and Raheem Sterling in action during Chelsea's FA Cup win v Leeds.
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What Raheem Sterling once said about Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds
Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds beat Man City at The Etihad with Stuart Dallas famously scoring twice. A victory that is considered one of the best in Leeds’ modern era, especially with Liam Cooper sent off.
But it wasn’t the only time Leeds took points off City. A 1-1 draw in October 2020 saw Rodrigo cancel out Sterling’s opener and the then-City forward was full of praise for Bielsa’s side on Man City’s website.
“They were right in our faces. I prefer playing against teams like that instead of 11 men behind the ball. It was a difficult game. The energy levels from start to finish were impressive,” Sterling said, five years ago.
Perhaps, having played at Elland Road, Sterling might be tempted with a move to Yorkshire. For now, Leeds would love to create a repeat of that result, with Man City coming next after Villa on Sunday.