The January transfer window opens three weeks today as Leeds United assess the route forward
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
11:44, 11 Dec 2025
Daniel Farke hinted last month that Leeds could dip into the January market
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Daniel Farke hinted last month that Leeds could dip into the January market(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Leeds United’s January transfer plans could change should Daniel Farke continue to use the 3-5-2 system as his base formation, though the club are unlikely to spend heavily or sanction a mass influx due to PSR limits.
Leeds were after a right winger who had the ability to play number 10 towards the end of the summer window, amid failed chases of Facundo Buonanotte and Harry Wilson. And earlier this month, Farke said that Daniel James’ long-term injury could “influence” what happens in the new year.
However, the recent marked success of the 3-5-2 set-up means Leeds could change tack with who they go for in the upcoming window. The formation negates the need for wingers and a specialised number 10 with more of an emphasis on midfielders, wing-backs and strikers.
At the same time, Farke’s in-game switch to his default 4-3-3 formation against Liverpool, which fuelled the 3-3 comeback, outlines that wingers - and theoretically a number 10 - could still play vital roles in the season.
Leeds have targets drawn up in each position on the pitch, with recruitment work always in motion. But which areas get prioritised could depend on what unfolds in the next few games.
The manager is known to have a good working relationship with sporting director Adam Underwood and managing director Robbie Evans, and Farke believes the trio have always remained on the same page despite a pointless month in November.
Leeds are not expected to spend much in January due to their PSR standing. After summer deadline day, Evans said that the club has “maxed out” spending limits after a window spend of more than £100million.
Successful pursuits of Buonanotte and Wilson would have required funds to be drummed up from elsewhere before June 30, perhaps through sales. The club’s stance on sales in January is not clear but that is one option which could create headroom next month.
New commercial deals can also help. Another option is selling players in the summer period before the new PSR cycle starts on July 1.
There are obvious hurdles within this, such as clubs being cautious over their own PSR stance and, amid the transfer merry-go-round, some players not wanting to decide their futures until after the World Cup. But it is nevertheless still an option.
Meanwhile, club sources anticipate there will be opportunities in January to capitalise on players who are unsettled at their current clubs and are looking for more game time.
Farke - whose last permanent January signing came in 2023 while at Borussia Monchengladbach - has long made it known that players will not be brought in mid-season for the sake of it, and that they must be the right fit.
However, he hinted a fortnight ago that Leeds could “perhaps even add a bit in January.” Leeds look likely to be active next month although club sources have made clear the reality that they are unlikely to spend big or do lots of business due to their PSR situation.
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