A fan’s view by Thomas B.
Leeds United boss Neil Warnock will be hoping to sign some new faces when the January transfer window opens. Fans will be expecting fresh blood after the recent takeover from GFH Capital.
Just how much Neil Warnock will have to spend come January is debatable and this has been taken into consideration in choosing five players that Leeds United could afford, and should sign, in January. It’s a level-headed approach, that takes into account that Leeds United will not be spending millions upon millions of the pound sterling.
1. Alejandro Faurlin – Leeds United currently lack a creative central midfielder, who can ‘pull the strings’. The last time we had a ‘passer’ of the ball, he was a little Australian fella that some people couldn’t warm to – but for me, he made us tick. Faurlin has played under Warnock previously and, thus, will already know what the 63-year-old expects from his team. Well down the pecking order at QPR – with just four appearances this season, a cut price deal could be less of a miracle, more of a statement of intent.
2. Jerome Thomas – A lack of pace within the team has been an issue so far this season. Whilst Aidan White is lightning quick, his less than impressive tenure in the first-team, has left me wanting something more in terms of going forward and creating width. Without wishing to jump the gun on Jerome Thomas, after just one good game on loan, I’m simply suggesting he is an ideal candidate to make us more of a threat out wide. At any rate, he appears to be a better option than Aidan White, who simply doesn’t seem to know how to play on the wing. Again, this deal could be done at a decent price and, with Jerome Thomas already stating how good he thinks the fans are, he could easily be persuaded to stay.
3. Jonathan Parr – Many fans will perhaps ponder my reasoning for this one. It’s quite simple. He’s a young and hungry left back who was voted Crystal Palace Player of the Year for the 2011/2012 season. At the age of 24, Parr is known for his work ethic, blistering runs and overall fitness. Fans will also point out that Palace are second in the league. However, I’m unconvinced that they will last the full course and so, with funds from the new owners, we could well swoop for one of the best left backs in the league. We have struggled, this season, to fill the left back slot with a permanent face so I hope the gaffer wants to strengthen in this position.
4. Fraizer Campbell – During the seemingly interminable takeover talk, I vividly remember reading that Neil Warnock had made Frazier Campbell one of his top targets.. I instinctively questioned whether Frazier Campbell would join a club like Leeds United. I was initially sceptical but, over the last few days, a new sense of optimism has surrounded my every thought about Leeds United.
I now think that a player who has struggled for minutes at Sunderland, would jump at the chance of gaining first-team football, at a club that may now have the money to acquire some real quality players. Frazier Campbell would provide serious competition in a front line that already boasts Luciano Becchio, Ross McCormack and El Hadji Diouf.
5. Alan Tate – Whilst I’d love to include names like Ronaldo and Messi in a Leeds United wish list, I must remain realistic in my approach to transfer targets. Like Jerome Thomas, Alan Tate also played well against Crystal Palace, but this has little bearing on his inclusion in my ‘wish list’. I firmly retain the opinion that Neil Warnock will sign Alan Tate, especially as the 30-year-old centre half has vast experience at this level and has Premier League class. With playing time at Swansea City a distant memory for the veteran, he could well be the perfect remedy to steady a ship that is currently battling stormy seas.
Thomas Bradley is the editor of www.idradebeleeds.com and writer with soccersweep
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John Stanley
Nov 27, 2012 at 1:22 pm
All above seem reasonable. 2 curently on loan with Leeds, let us see if they perform. A would add a striker to the wish list, Charlie Auston is one I would target.
Talkoftheterrace.net
Dec 5, 2012 at 5:07 am
Id personally get Diouf off the books before any deals, with him off the books they could afford at least 5 players on loan. Jay Bothroyd would be a good addition.