“Leeds United Eye January Move for New No. 10 as Brenden Aaronson Struggles to Recapture Form”
Leeds United are set to address a key weakness in their squad as they look to bring in competition for Brenden Aaronson in the January transfer window. After failing to secure another attacking midfielder last January, Daniel Farke has been left with just one natural option for the No. 10 role.
Aaronson, who has struggled to return to his best form since his loan spell at Union Berlin, has yet to replicate the impressive performances he delivered at Red Bull Salzburg. As Leeds United seeks to bolster their midfield options, a fresh addition in January could help reinvigorate the squad and provide much-needed depth in the attacking midfield position.
“Graham Smyth Predicts Leeds United Will Target Premier League No. 10 on Loan in January – Here Are 5 Potential Options”
Leeds United are expected to move for a No. 10 in the upcoming January transfer window, with Graham Smyth predicting that the club is likely to target a loan deal from a Premier League side. As Brenden Aaronson continues to struggle with form, Daniel Farke will be keen to add more creativity and competition to the midfield. Below, we explore five potential options Leeds could consider to strengthen their attacking midfield options for the second half of the season.
“Five Premier League No. 10s Leeds Could Try to Sign in January”
1. James McAtee – Manchester CityLeeds United had shown interest in James McAtee during the summer transfer window, but Pep Guardiola opted to keep the £20m talent at Manchester City. However, McAtee’s game time has been limited this season, and a move could be on the cards if he pushes for an exit. The England U21 captain is highly rated and would be a valuable addition to Leeds’ midfield. With 12 clubs reportedly trailing the youngster, including Leeds, a potential January move could depend on his discussions with Guardiola regarding his future at the Etihad.
2. Fabio Carvalho – BrentfordLeeds United have long been linked with Fabio Carvalho, dating back to January before his loan to Hull and his eventual £27m move to Brentford. However, the attacking midfielder has seen limited game time under Thomas Frank, with just two Premier League starts this season. Carvalho is frequently called upon from the bench, but it’s unclear whether Frank will be willing to let him leave in January. Despite his current lack of starts, Carvalho remains a talented playmaker, and if Brentford is open to a loan deal, Leeds could once again be interested in bringing him to Elland Road.
3. Emi Buendía – Aston VillaEmi Buendía, a former star under Daniel Farke at Norwich, has found himself further down the pecking order at Aston Villa this season. The Argentina international, who was previously linked with a move to Leeds United during the summer, actually rejected a transfer to Elland Road at that time. However, with limited playing opportunities at Villa Park, Buendía could reconsider his options in January. Given his familiarity with Farke’s system, Leeds could emerge as a potential destination if Villa are open to a loan or permanent deal.
Despite Aston Villa’s European commitments, Emi Buendía’s game time has not significantly improved during the first half of the season. With his role at Villa still limited, he might be tempted to seek a move in January for more regular playing time. A reunion with Daniel Farke, the manager who made him a star at Norwich, could be an enticing prospect. Leeds United would offer him the chance to rekindle his career under a manager who knows his abilities well, making a move to Elland Road a potentially appealing option for Buendía.
4. Julio Enciso – BrightonParaguay international Julio Enciso made a significant impact during his first season in the Premier League, contributing to eight goals in 32 appearances for Brighton, including a stunning strike against Manchester City. However, this season, Enciso has seen limited action, featuring in just seven Premier League games and playing only 151 minutes. With Georginio Rutter pushing him down the pecking order, Enciso could be open to a loan move in January to secure more playing time. Leeds United, in need of attacking reinforcements, could look to bring the talented forward to Elland Road, where he could thrive with more consistent opportunities.
5. Conor Chaplin – Ipswich TownAlthough it seems unlikely that Conor Chaplin would want to leave Ipswich Town in January, his lack of game time in the Premier League this season could prompt him to seek a move. After contributing to 22 goals last season in the Championship, helping Ipswich gain promotion over Leeds, Chaplin has found himself starting just four of 14 Premier League matches, with two appearances as an unused substitute. If Leeds are serious about strengthening their squad, making a move for Chaplin could be a smart move. Raiding last season’s rivals for the talented playmaker might provide the attacking spark Leeds need to push for a strong second half of the season.