Leeds United have endured a mixed start to life in the Premier League, and a path may now be emerging for one of their players to depart in January.
Leeds United look to recover after Burnley defeat
Points are a precious commodity in the top-flight, and the Whites will be feeling frustrated that they couldn’t make their chances count against Burnley in a frustrating defeat at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Despite retaining a vastly superior expected goals total of 2.63 to the hosts’ 0.45, Scott Parker managed to get the better of Daniel Farke, who expressed a sense of frustration at not being able to come away with a positive result after an afternoon of failing to hit the target.
He said: “In the first half they had one chance and we were a bit sleepy on the cross and they scored, then in the second half they had a shot from about 25 yards. When we had big chances we were more or less surprised. Performance wise I can’t complain but this is how football works.
“First game after the international break with so many offensive players out to be so dominant, I didn’t expect this but the players have delivered it. Of course we wanted to score but it was one of those days where it was not to be and we could not get the ball over the line. Credit to them for finding the goals.”
With West Ham United to come next Friday, Leeds will hope to build on a mixed start to life in the top-flight, but January will be an important month in the context of finding stars who can stave off the threat of relegation.
Sheffield United midfielder Gustavo Hamer is a Whites target, and they may now be set to offload one of their stars to make room for mid-season arrivals.
Leeds United could offload Jack Harrison in January
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Leeds could offload Jack Harrison in January if they manage to bring in attacking reinforcements, even after he started in the defeat to Burnley on Saturday.
He explained: “Look, for Leeds right now, they’re probably looking to strengthen the squad rather than weaken it. Particularly in attacking areas, where Farke is planning to strengthen in January. A lot will depend on what Leeds are able to do in the transfer window themselves.
Jack Harrison’s record at Leeds
Appearances
214
Goals
34
Assists
32
“If they are able to bring in attacking reinforcements then maybe that could open the door to a move for Jack Harrison.”
Earning £90,000 per week at Elland Road, he is the second-highest paid player at Leeds and being able to alleviate space on the wage bill could suit all parties, albeit he is a hard-working winger who has a credible Premier League CV based on his time in Yorkshire and at Everton.
However, he is far from first choice when everyone is fit, so a departure would possibly be a sensible option if clubs were to come forward with proposals.
