January at Elland Road is never just about the football. It’s about the noise. You’ve heard the names—Danilho Doekhi, Josh Mulligan, even the whispers of a return for some familiar faces. But honestly, the current batch of Leeds United transfer rumors feels different this year because the club actually has a bit of breathing room.
Gone are the days of desperate, deadline-day lunges just to keep the lights on in the Premier League. Daniel Farke has this team sitting 16th, eight points clear of the drop. That changes the math. It changes the urgency. And it definitely changes how the 49ers Enterprises are looking at the bank account.
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The Danilho Doekhi situation is moving fast
If you’ve been following the German press, specifically Florian Plettenberg, you’ll know Union Berlin is already moving on. They are reportedly deep in talks for Zeno van den Bosch from Royal Antwerp. Why does that matter for us? Because Van den Bosch is the replacement.
Farke is a massive fan of Doekhi. He’s been a fan for years.
The move to a 5-3-2 system recently has been a masterstroke, but it’s physically taxing on the center-backs. You need depth for that. Bringing in a 27-year-old with over 100 Bundesliga appearances isn't just a "maybe" signing; it’s a statement of intent to solidify the defense for the next three years. Word is, Doekhi is keen. Like, really keen on the Premier League.
What’s the deal with Jack Harrison?
This one hurts a bit for the sentimentals. Reports coming out of Italy, backed by Ben Jacobs, suggest Jack Harrison is basically on a plane to Fiorentina. It’s looking like a loan with an option to buy for about €10 million.
Some fans think it’s a mistake to let him go now. But basically, the club needs to balance the PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules) books. Selling a high-earner who isn't a guaranteed starter every week in the new system makes cold, hard business sense.
- Agreement: Loan with an option to buy.
- The Fee: Roughly £8.6m (€10m).
- The Contract: Fiorentina already have a three-year deal ready for him through 2029.
It’s efficient. It's also a bit sad. Harrison has been a great servant, but the 49ers are looking for "masterclasses" in recruitment, not keeping players for old time's sake.
The Josh Mulligan "Wait and See"
Then there’s the Scottish connection. Josh Mulligan at Hibernian has been linked heavily. The 23-year-old has been a spark in the Scottish Premiership, but the latest from Football Insider and Pete O’Rourke suggests Leeds are cooling their jets.
They’re going to wait until the summer.
Why? Because the midfield is actually holding up. Between Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, and Ethan Ampadu, Farke feels he has enough steel for now. Mulligan is a talent—one goal and five assists in 22 games—but he’s a "project" player. Leeds don't need projects right now; they need finishers and specialists.
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Striker Talk: Dominic Calvert-Lewin 2.0?
The most wild Leeds United transfer rumors involve a "Dominic Calvert-Lewin 2.0" signing. The rumors suggest a potential free transfer swoop or a cut-price deal for a striker with a similar profile to the Everton man.
Speaking of DCL, his own resurgence has been a talking point, but Leeds are looking at younger, more durable options to rival Joel Piroe. There’s even been talk about Callum Wilson, though West Ham are currently dealing with his contract termination. It feels like a long shot, but in January, "long shots" are the bread and butter of the Elland Road rumor mill.
Realities of the 2026 Window
- The Budget: Tight but flexible for the right defensive target.
- The Priority: A center-back who fits the back-three/five system.
- The Outgoings: Trimming the fat (Harrison, potentially Largie Ramazani on loan).
It's easy to get swept up in the "Leeds are sleeping" narrative on Twitter. You see it every window. But look at the facts: the stadium expansion plans for Elland Road are already getting the green light. The club is thinking 10 years ahead, not just 10 days ahead.
What to watch next
Keep a very close eye on Union Berlin’s medical announcements. Once Zeno van den Bosch is confirmed there, the Doekhi deal should slide into place quickly. Also, don't be surprised if the Jack Harrison move to Italy is wrapped up by the weekend.
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The smartest thing fans can do right now is ignore the "Done Deal" posts from accounts with zero followers and stick to the tier-one guys like Romano or the local Yorkshire Post reporters. This window is about surgical precision, not a shopping spree.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
Check the official club statements regarding Jack Harrison over the next 48 hours. If he’s left out of the next matchday squad, the Fiorentina deal is effectively done. For the Danilho Doekhi saga, monitor German outlets like Kicker for the "green light" on his replacement, which is the final domino to fall.