I always approach the January transfer window with mixed feelings – nostalgia and expectant pessimism; the latter being a follow-on from the former. Remembering a few of the previous January’s, knowing activity is possible, thinking it might not be, but then realising that little to nothing will happen.
Especially looking at other clubs over the years, such as Liverpool when they signed Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in January 2011, though to be fair, they did sell Fernando Torres for a packet as well.
But, yeah, this time around, with us challenging at the top, I thought getting one or two extra bodies in would have been good – especially up top.
Realistically, we’ve only got two options through the middle in Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph – even he went off the boil a bit – and you can’t really count Patrick Bamford as a reliable alternative.
So, yeah – I thought, get at least someone in to cover a potential injury – offer a reliable rotation option with games coming thick and fast.
We’re pretty well-stocked in the middle of the park – probably the best we’ve been for a good few years and, even across defence we don’t look too shabby. It’s a positive though, that we were able to hang onto Joseph, when in previous years we may have struggled. I only found out when the transfer window closed that apparently we turned down a £10 million bid for him from Real Betis.
As I sit here writing this, it’s the morning after the night before; a dramatic last-gasp 2-1 win over promotion rivals Sunderland, which pretty much mirrored what they did to us at their place earlier in the season, albeit (Ilan) Meslier being caught out by a bizarre last minute bounce as they, on balance, undeservedly snatched a point. So, obviously, I’m buzzing.
But, the point I’m making here, is this was a game that really showcased our strength-in-depth I thought. Pascal Struijk and Joe Rothwell, both who could definitely make a case to start came on midway through the second half for the midfield pivot, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev. A couple of minutes later, Rothwell whipped in a free-kick and Struijk nodded in. Basically the same was repeated on the stroke of full time but from open play.
Highlights | Leeds United 2-1 Sunderland | LAST MINUTE STRUIJK WINNER! https://t.co/6IsSg4iDIG a través de @YouTube
— Leeds Fans 🇨🇴 (@LeedsFansCol) February 18, 2025
That’s another thing. People forget that Struijk can play in midfield, as a number six as well as at centre-back or if (needs must), a left-back, which gives us even more options and versatility.
It was up top though that concerned me and, possibly still does. If one of Piroe, or Joseph gets injured (let’s not go there with Bamford), I’d be concerned of a lack of depth. Though, to be fair, Dan James has played up top before (in the Premier League, no less, though as a ‘false nine’) and, he’s in top form this term.
I bet Manor Salomon could even play there through’ middle – he’s shown what he’s capable of with his skill set – up against Championship-level centre-backs he’d probably be lethal.
And then, there’s Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani – the latter I think looks like a right find and who, I’m sure played up top at times in Spain. We all know what Gnonto can do as well – even, Junior Firpo, plays up top (and scores) for his country! So, when you look at it like that, I think we have enough about us to be able to adjust. For the first time in a number of seasons as well.
After we have played our next match – probably our biggest of the season so far, away at Sheffield United – who we beat 3-0 at home, we could be five points clear of the Blades at the top and in cruise control – which would, again help to strengthen our case for not jumping into the transfer window just for the sake of it.
Should we go up and, at this point – even me, who is usually cautious is starting to believe that we will and, whisper it quietly (as champions), then not spending in January will give us much-needed funds to upgrade us for next season, while potentially leaving some for next January, should we need it.
I think every fan, regardless who they support wants to see their club do something in the January transfer window (and the summer), though for once, it was nice to see that we were in the luxurious position of only needing to strengthen if an option came up that was ‘too good to refuse’. When did we last have that, hmm? Anyway, time for cuppa.
