Leeds United are finally making moves. Honestly, after that summer deadline day disaster where the club ended up "not dancing on the table"—as Daniel Farke so colorfully put it—the Elland Road faithful were practically vibrating with anxiety. But the January 2026 window has already delivered a massive narrative arc that feels like a scripted revenge plot.
The Buonanotte Hijack (Part 2)
Remember August? It was painful. Facundo Buonanotte was basically on the tarmac for Leeds before Chelsea swooped in like a vulture. Fast forward five months and the Argentine playmaker is officially a Leeds player. It’s a loan from Brighton, facilitated by Chelsea cutting his stay short after he barely saw the grass at Stamford Bridge.
Farke finally has his "creative number 10."
He’s already been spotted on the bench for the Fulham clash. It's a huge psychological win for the 49ers Enterprises. They didn't just get a player; they corrected a mistake that had been haunting the squad's depth charts since September.
Leeds United News Now Transfer: The Hunt for a Striker
The Buonanotte deal is done, but the rumor mill is churning at 100mph regarding a new frontman. Jorgen Strand Larsen is the name on everyone’s lips. Wolves are reportedly open to a sale, but the price tag is a eye-watering £40 million.
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Can Leeds afford that? It’s complicated.
According to latest reports, Leeds are right at their limit for Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). To land the Norwegian giant, they might have to get creative. There’s talk of a "swap plus cash" deal involving two fringe players to bring that valuation down. It’s a high-stakes poker game. If Leeds want to cement their Premier League survival this season, a reliable finisher to complement Dominic Calvert-Lewin—who has been carrying the goalscoring burden—is non-negotiable.
Outgoings: The Jack Harrison Era Ends?
While the focus is on who’s coming in, the exit door is swinging wide for a club legend. Jack Harrison is essentially in Florence as we speak. Fiorentina are looking at a loan with a £6 million option to buy. It’s a bittersweet moment. Harrison has been a Bielsa-era stalwart, but under Farke this season, he’s managed only one start in 11 appearances.
He needs to play. Leeds need the wages off the books.
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Other notable departures and whispers:
- Harry Gray: The younger brother of Archie has headed to Rotherham on loan to get some "grown-up" minutes in League One.
- Joel Piroe: Middlesbrough are sniffing around. Piroe says he wants to stay and fight, but if the right offer comes in, Leeds might use that cash to fund the Strand Larsen pursuit.
- Danilho Doekhi: The Union Berlin defender remains a "priority" target. Farke wants more steel at the back, especially with Jaka Bijol currently sidelined with a hamstring issue.
The Defensive Crisis and Farke's "Balancing Act"
The injuries to Anton Stach (adductor) and Jaka Bijol have forced Farke’s hand. He’s been forced into a back three recently, utilizing Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk with James Justin tucking in. It’s not ideal. This is why the leeds united news now transfer focus shifted so heavily toward Danilho Doekhi.
Leeds are currently the "frontrunners" for the Dutch defender, but Aston Villa are reportedly lurking. If Leeds lose out on Doekhi because they’re waiting for the Piroe money to drop, the fans won't be happy.
Farke mentioned in his latest press conference that he won't "risk the spirit of the group" for a panic buy. He’s looking for specialists. Players who fit the 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 systems he’s been toggling between. Basically, if you aren't a "top character," you aren't getting through the door at Thorp Arch.
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What Actually Matters Right Now
The next ten days are pivotal. Leeds have secured the creative spark in Buonanotte, but they are still one injury away from a crisis in both the center of defense and the striking department.
The move for Ruben Vargas from Sevilla is also being whispered about in scouting circles as a potential "Plan B" if the Strand Larsen deal collapses. Vargas would offer that European experience and versatility across the front three that Farke loves.
Actionable Insights for the January Window:
- Watch the Piroe Situation: If Joel Piroe moves to Middlesbrough, expect a "here we go" on a new striker within 48 hours.
- Monitor Doekhi's Bundesliga Status: If he isn't in the Union Berlin squad this weekend, he’s likely on a plane to West Yorkshire.
- Squad Depth Check: With Stach and Bijol out, the performance of Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu in the pivot will dictate how desperate Leeds get for a new midfielder before the February 2nd deadline.
The window closes at 7pm GMT on Monday, February 2nd. Between now and then, expect a lot of "verbal agreements" and 11th-hour medicals. Leeds aren't just trying to stay in the league; they're trying to build a squad that never has to worry about a "deadline day disaster" ever again.