THE aim of clubs across the country is not to emerge from a transfer window in a weaker position than when they entered it.
The Leeds manager, who is the first to admit that he is 'pretty picky' when it comes to targets, was undoubtedly keen.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke.placeholder image
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke.
A £40m package was structured without breaching PSR rules, but Crystal Palace, with more financial muscle, ultimately won out.
Farke moved on and remains happy with his lot, even if there was no extra striker or left-back cover option forthcoming.
Activity was restricted to the loan signing of Facundo Buonanotte, able to play as a '10' and out wide, while Jack Harrison joined Fiorentina on loan.
Leeds were not alone in their circumspection in a notoriously difficult window. Several top-flight clubs were the same.
Leeds United have added Facundo Buonanotte to their squad (Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)placeholder image
Leeds United have added Facundo Buonanotte to their squad (Image: Malcolm Bryce/Leeds United via Getty Images)
In a good position to achieve their season's aims of Premier League survival, Leeds' hand in the summer market will also be strengthened by the decision not to roll the dice.
Farke said: "My squad has not got weaker.
"I have to say normally it's a good sign when you don't do much in January.
"If you look across Europe to the clubs in a good position, you see they rarely do much in January. When you have to do a lot normally, you have to repair some mistakes from the summer or to deal with a situation with many injuries.
"It's a good sign if you just change a few details. For us, we have just adjusted some details. In total, we've allowed Jack Harrison to go out on loan because it was his wish, he didn't have that much game time and his behaviour was professional.
"We have proactively sent Harry Gray out on loan and so far, so good, touch wood (it's) the perfect start, exactly what we were wishing for. And we've added another loan for us in Facundo Buonanotte. Little adjustments and we move on.
“I'm quite confident that with this group we are capable to finish the job in the Premier League."
Farke is also clear about the fact that harmony remains strong and genuine across his squad. No-one currently struggling for game time is unhappy in his eyes.
While the transfer window is closed across most of Europe, some markets remain open. Turkey and Greece allow transfers until Friday for instance.
The Leeds chief, whose side welcome Nottingham Forest on Friday, is not expecting any developments.
He added: "I think it's unlikely, so far. No one has knocked on my door and told me that he wants to leave. I'm fully convinced that we will work further on with this group."
Farke reports mixed injury news ahead for Forest, with midfielder Anton Stach (hip) set to miss the club’s next two matches.
Defender Jaka Bijol has returned to training after missing the last three games with a hamstring issue.
James Justin, who came off at half-time in last weekend’s loss to Arsenal, is fine, while Friday is expected to be soon for Lukas Nmecha, not yet back in team training.