Leeds United’s January transfer window has been anything but quiet, as the club looks to strengthen its squad in preparation for the second half of the Championship season. Manager Daniel Farke is keen to ensure that his side remains competitive in their pursuit of the Championship title, and as the days tick on, there’s been plenty of activity and speculation surrounding potential signings. Farke’s strategy for this window seems clear: he is taking a relatively young approach, focusing on additions that will not only provide immediate depth but also help the club build for the future.

One of the most discussed names during this transfer period has been Louie Barry, the Aston Villa striker who was recalled from his loan spell at Stockport County by Unai Emery. Villa sees Barry as a player who can compete at a higher level, and there was considerable interest from clubs like Leeds and Sunderland. Leeds appeared to be in the running for Barry’s signature, but recent developments suggest that Derby County have now taken the lead in securing the young striker’s services. The reason behind this shift seems to be Barry’s desire for more regular first-team football. At Derby, he would likely slot straight into the starting lineup, whereas at Leeds, he would face stiff competition from established players like Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph. This competition for places could be a major factor in Barry’s decision to look elsewhere, and it’s a blow for Leeds, who had hoped to strengthen their attacking options with the addition of the 20-year-old forward.

With the Barry deal potentially fading, Leeds have quickly turned their attention to Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha. Berisha, who was signed by Hoffenheim for £11.6m in the summer of 2023, has had a difficult start to life in the Bundesliga, largely due to a knee injury that has limited his appearances. Despite his injury setbacks, Berisha remains a player of interest for Leeds, and it seems the club is exploring a potential move for him. Adding further intrigue to the situation, Berisha has recently changed his agent, and the new agency represents several players who are already on Leeds’ books, including Wilfried Gnonto, Dan James, and other current members of the squad. This connection could make the transition to Elland Road smoother for the German international. Additionally, Berisha’s time under former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch at RB Salzburg, where he worked alongside players such as Max Wober and Brendan Aaronson, could further boost the likelihood of a transfer. The familiarity with Marsch’s system and some of the squad members already at Leeds could make Berisha more inclined to make the move to West Yorkshire.

This shift in focus from Barry to Berisha is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Leeds’ transfer business this window. According to reports, Leeds are planning to bring in four new signings over the course of January. Farke is well aware of the need for depth and balance in his squad as the team continues its charge toward promotion. The main areas of focus appear to be at centre-back and left-back, with the club reportedly looking to add depth in both positions. Isaac Schmidt, who has struggled to make an impact at Leeds, is likely one of the players whose future at the club could be uncertain as the club looks for more reliable options in defense.

In addition to bolstering their defensive options, Leeds are also targeting a midfielder and a new striker. With Farke’s eyes set on building a squad that can compete at the highest level, these additions are essential for the club’s goal of securing Premier League promotion at the end of the season. While the race for Louie Barry has hit a setback, it’s clear that Leeds are determined to strengthen the squad with players who can contribute immediately and also have the potential to grow under Farke’s guidance.

The rest of the January transfer window promises to be an exciting time for Leeds United, with more signings likely to come as the club looks to further solidify their position at the top of the Championship table. The club’s transfer strategy, which focuses on young talent and strengthening key areas, could be exactly what is needed to see them through to the end of the season with a successful promotion campaign. It’s clear that Farke is taking a methodical and targeted approach to ensure that Leeds have the right players to make their push toward Premier League football. With further transfer activity expected, the next few weeks could shape the future of Leeds United both for the remainder of this season and in the years to come.