Graham Smyth Shares What He Thinks Leeds Will Do in January

As the January transfer window approaches, Leeds United may be on the hunt for a creative midfielder, according to Graham Smyth, the Yorkshire Evening Post’s football correspondent. Smyth shared his views on The Square Ball podcast, explaining that Leeds could revisit their summer ambition of signing a number 10, which head coach Daniel Farke had prioritized but missed out on in the final stages of the transfer window.

Farke had highlighted the need for a playmaker, but Leeds instead acquired midfielders Ao Tanaka and Isaac Schmidt on the last day of the summer window. Since then, Brenden Aaronson has been playing a pivotal role in attack. However, Aaronson’s performances have received mixed reviews; despite scoring four goals and recording an assist in 16 games, his tendency to lose possession has drawn criticism. Notably, he lost 14 duels in Leeds’ recent match on Saturday—more than any Leeds player since Georginio Rutter on the opening day.

Smyth believes the addition of a creative player could make a significant difference. “I’ve always thought that in January they’ll try and do a signing that helps in attacking midfield, like a 10 to put them over the top,” he said. Smyth suggested that a loan move could be ideal, particularly for a Premier League player struggling for minutes. “If they have a flair player to bring in on loan, maybe he can come in and add six or seven assists and a few goals; Leeds will be absolutely fine,” he added.

Reflecting on Leeds’ recent performance against Millwall, Smyth noted a need for “a bit of unpredictability,” something he believes a new number 10 could bring to the squad. “Someone like Georginio Rutter, something Millwall weren’t expecting,” he remarked, emphasizing that such a player could elevate the team’s attacking potential.