The January transfer window may have just closed its doors but for Leeds United, their plans for the next few months are becoming apparent already.
Victor Orta didn’t spend a penny last month after shipping out close to £100m on talent in the summer window, but it would appear they’re ready to flex their financial muscles once again.
On the chalkboard
Leeds have been bolstered by new £50m investment from the 49ers group and thus, it could be game-changing for the club in the transfer market.
Orta is already pondering ways of improving the Leeds squad and it seems that there is one glaring hole in the squad. That comes in midfield where Marcelo Bielsa is patching his team together.
An injury to Rodrigo has seen Stuart Dallas operated in the middle of the park while a suspension earlier this year to Kalvin Phillips meant Pascal Struijk deputised in front of the back four.
With Pablo Hernandez nearing the end of this career too, they will need to find replacements.
Fortunately, Leeds know that’s an area they need to improve. A report from the Mirror stated last week that finding a new playmaker topped their list of summer priorities. So, who could be the players they target?
Brilliant Buendia
Leeds could look towards a number of options in the next few months. Rodrigo de Paul has long been a Whites target but we think the remedy to their issues is Emiliano Buendia.
The Norwich City playmaker has been a radiant bubble of creativity this season and is quickly demonstrating why he’s been touted by the likes of Arsenal.
The Whites were interested in the 24-year-old last summer but after choosing to neglect the need for further recruits in the winter, they must bring him to Elland Road.
He has provided seven goals and seven assists this season, showcasing immense qualities in the final third on his way to being hailed a “very special” talent by Canaries centre-back Ben Gibson.
The Argentine would be perfect for Leeds and indeed, ideal for Orta, someone who has been attracted to Buendia for years now.
Out of favour at Getafe, newspapers started linking the diminutive magician with English shores in 2017. Spanish sides were also showing an appeal towards him and in particular Cultural Leonesa – a team with links to Qatar and the Aspire Academy. Coincidentally, they were a party who had links to Leeds.
At the same time, Norwich were doing due diligence on the player and eventually signed him. Buendia would later enjoy a loan spell at Leonesa and again, talk of a move to Leeds spawned.
Orta had joined Leeds as their director of football in 2017 and inherited the link with Leonesa. Ouasim Bouy joined the Spaniard's on loan, as too did Yosuke Ideguchi.
Naturally, Orta began to look at Buendia. The Athletic claims that he’s a player Orta has always liked, but time and time again, they’ve opted against signing him.
Clearly, Leeds have missed a trick but they do have the chance to correct that in the summer. With United searching for a playmaker, Orta must finally bring the man he’s been lusting after for so long to Elland Road.
He is a genius on the ball and so far this season has registered 3.3 key passes per match. If anyone can create an opening, it’s the 24-year-old. Buendia is capable of playing through the middle and out on the flanks as well, so he’d certainly suit Bielsa’ modus operandi of working with versatile characters.
Buendia is surely too good a player to turn down again. They must continue their pursuit.