Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Crucial update reveals Leeds may be severely limited in January transfer window

Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds v West Ham, FA Cup, January 2022.

Leeds United will reportedly be hindered in the January transfer window, as Financial Fair Play regulations seemingly handing the side a cruel and untimely blow.

The Whites have struggled this season for a number of reasons, though a crippling injury crisis, which has left a host of first-team players out for varying periods of time, is undoutedly the main cause.

As such, the side are enduring a much worse season than last campaign, when they finished ninth. Indeed, they currently sit 16th, and have lost three of their last five league fixtures.

The West Yorkshire side were hoping to bring in reinforcements in January, in order to turn their season around.

However, an update from Football Insider states that due to FFP regulations, they will be limited to loan signings only. Indeed, they are currently on the limit of the regulations.

That development could provide a stumbling block for Leeds, as they were in the market for a number of permanent signings.

Specifically, in the midfield region, as Kalvin Phillips will be out until at least March. Furthermore, centre-back Robin Koch played in the Whites’ midfield at the weekend, and though he is capable in that area, it is not his preferred position.

Leeds had identified Championship pair John Swift and Lewis O’Brien as potential targets. However, those pursuits are likely out of the window now, especially given O’Brien has a £10million release clause.

Leeds United out of Kamara race as United and Chelsea take over

Leeds United out of Kamara race as United and Chelsea take over

Leeds United are out of the race to sign Boubacar Kamara as Chelsea and Manchester United have the funds to pay his wages

Indeed, the side will still be looking to bring in a few players in the January window.

However, the quality may be lower than expected, given their inability to spend.

Leeds tracking Lazio striker

Vedat Muriqi, Lazio striker in Serie A action against Sampdoria

In other news, Leeds United are reported to have registered their interest with Lazio over a loan deal to sign striker Vedat Muriqi.

The 6ft 4in Kosovan striker is reported to have been made available for transfer by Lazio this month. Having arrived in Rome in September 2020, Muriqi has struggled to find his best form.

Indeed, in 43 appearances for Lazio, he has struck just two goals. That form doesn’t make for great reading and it’s unlikely Leeds fans will be especially thrilled by such a record.

However, La Lazio Siamo Noi claims Leeds are exploring the possibility of a loan move for Muriqi and already have a ‘formula’ to prise him from the Biancocelesti.

Furthermore, they state director of football Victor Orta has already ‘registered an interest’ in bringing the Kosovan to Elland Road.

The striker has already been linked with Hull City this window. However, their interest appears to have waned in light of the reported Leeds approach.

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