As time goes on, the less likely Leeds United are to pull off a second January deal
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:50, 02 Feb 2026
Daniel Farke has hinted at two other areas he believes need bolstering
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Daniel Farke has hinted at two other areas he believes need bolstering(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
The current outlook might be that Leeds United will not be getting a striker through the door before 7pm tonight but there may yet be still a glimmer that players in other positions might be brought in.
Jorgen Strand Larsen’s £48million move to Crystal Palace looks to be going through, with Leeds adamant on not going above £40m. He was described as a unique market opportunity for Leeds, who would have been a long term investment and not just a hole-filler.
With Strand Larsen going elsewhere, the question will be asked about whether such funds can be spent on other areas of the squad. Daniel Farke has insisted he will not bloat squad numbers above its former capacity.
Given two players have left on loan and only one - Facundo Buonanotte - has been acquired, perhaps that means only one more. But this is deadline day so never say never. Here are two positions Leeds could look at.
Goalkeeper?
Farke said enough for fans to fill in the gaps when answering a question on goalkeeper transfers after Saturday's defeat to Arsenal. “Our board knows exactly my feelings about what I think we should do during this window,” he said.
“As I mentioned several times, I won't speak publicly too much about my opinions, because it makes the market just more difficult. And for that, sadly, I can't honestly answer the question.
“So of course, we're always looking to improve the squad and to bring quality players in, and especially in positions where we are perhaps a bit weaker.”
Goalkeeper was not on the radar earlier in the window, though whether this was a board decision or whether Farke has since made his feelings known is not clear. Regardless, they are running out of time to pull a rabbit out of the hat.
And all the while, a problem they thought they had solved in the summer with Lucas Perri looks to be crumbling.
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Left-back?
With Jack Harrison going out on loan to Fiorentina, Leeds are without a left-footed back-up left-back to Gabriel Gudmundsson. Farke has outlined how it is something he is aware of.
Links with Ben Chilwell are baseless but that doesn’t mean Leeds have not been scouting other options. Again, like with a striker, Leeds will only go for a player who comes up as a market opportunity.
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The criteria for such is someone who is of the right quality, has the right character - knowing they will have to fight for their place in the team - and is affordable. That naturally whittles down options.
United’s lack of PSR headroom is a hampering factor, of course, but Farke has also outlined he is keen to attain the current squad harmony and only desires players who want to only play for Leeds, and not have their head turned by other offers.