Phil Hay says Leeds unlikely to make January midfield addition, Orta is sceptical

By Lee Connor

Leeds United are unlikely to make a move for any new players in January, with Victor Orta unsure on whether there is any value in the winter market.

The Whites have endured a frustrating start to their second season back in the Premier League. Marcelo Bielsa’s men have picked up just a single win thus far, although performances have perhaps warranted better.

On paper, Leeds appear light in midfield. That has caused some sections of Elland Road to shout for January additions. However, according to The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent, Phil Hay, any January deals are unlikely.

Hay claims that Victor Orta has reservations over whether signing players in January can be successful. To that extent, Hay says he expects Leeds’ next big of significant business to come next summer.

“January? I’m not convinced the club will do much in January unless the league position is causing acute concern. Victor Orta has long seen the mid-season window as offering poor value for money and the club are less and less convinced that January arrivals work for Marcelo Bielsa (see Jean-Kevin Augustin),” Hay wrote in his most recent Q&A.

“From my perspective, if the season is in hand at the turn of the year, then I’d hold off and gear up for a major midfield addition when the season ends. I think we can all see that it has to be done.”

TBR’s View: Leeds need a midfielder but Orta has a point here

The Whites supremo is right in his assertions here. The January window is a nightmare to negotiate in and clubs end up paying a premium for players.

Further, and this is hinted at in Hay’s comments, sometimes players can take weeks and months to get to grips to Marcelo Bielsa’s demanding way of playing. That means spending big in January could, in theory, backfire.

The summer is where it’s at for Leeds. A lot could depend on Kalvin Phillips and his future. But regardless, a new midfielder is required.