With the transfer window closing on Monday night, Leeds United will now turn their full attention to a crucial clash with Nottingham Forest at Elland Road.
The Whites failed to add to their squad on deadline day, despite interest in signing a striker and talk of a late move for an attacking midfielder.
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Facundo Buonanotte’s loan switch from Brighton earlier in the window stands as Leeds’ only January addition. The club would have preferred to sign a striker, but it didn’t materialise after Jorgen Strand Larsen joined Crystal Palace.
Focus now shifts back to matters on the pitch, with Friday night’s meeting between Leeds and Nottingham Forest shaping up to be a pivotal encounter that could have major implications for both sides’ Premier League survival hopes.
Graham Smyth insists Leeds United cannot start Ilia Gruev against Forest
Ilia Gruev was poor in Leeds United’s defeat against Arsenal and was subbed off during the break, with Sean Longstaff playing in the second half.
Leeds hope to pick up all three points against Forest to further push away from relegation, and Smyth feels that Daniel Farke’s team selection should not reflect that.
He insisted that Gruev should not start at home on Friday night, as it would send the wrong message ahead of the game with two defensive midfielders in the team at Elland Road.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “The team selection will be absolutely key.
“I don’t think you can start Gruev. I almost think the message it sends if you’re playing two very defensive midfielders in Ampadu and Gruev is not the right message for a game like this.
“You’re at home, you want to win this, you believe yourself to be at least as good as, if not better than, Forest, show it with your team selection and go after the win.”
Sean Longstaff could start on Friday night
Longstaff had made ten consecutive Premier League starts before picking up a hamstring injury in November, an issue that sidelined him for more than a month.
At that point, he was among the first names on the team sheet, bringing a different edge to the Leeds midfield through his physical presence and top-flight experience.
Sean Longstaff’s performances for Leeds United by competition (2025/26)
Competition Matches Goals Assists Minutes
Premier League 14 1 2 930
FA Cup 1 0 0 17
EFL Cup 1 0 0 90
Total 16 1 2 1,037
His absence prompted a change in system, and strong performances from Gruev meant opportunities became limited for the former Newcastle midfielder.
That situation could now shift, however, after Gruev struggled against Arsenal, while Longstaff impressed with a solid display in the centre during the second half at Elland Road.
The Leeds midfielder now has a chance to re-establish his importance and showcase his quality in the weeks ahead.
There is a genuine possibility that Longstaff will start against Nottingham Forest on Friday night as he looks to force his way back into the side and make his mark once again at Elland Road.