Daniel Farke has to be happy with how his transfer business has transpired this season, with most gaps plugged quite effectively despite the turbulence of the outgoings post-relegation.
An attacking midfielder and a left-back could have made it a perfect window for Leeds, and it’s not as if they didn’t try on both fronts.
In attack, Leeds were keen to bring in German international Nadiem Amiri as their attacking midfield signing, agreeing a £5million fee to bring him to Elland Road from Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen.
However, a deal was abandoned by Leeds after the player flew to the city for further talks, only to mess the club about regarding the offer on the table, with his mind changing more than once on the matter.
Leeds head into January knowing that a player of Amiri’s ilk could still be required to boost Farke’s overall strength for the second half of the season.
While Amiri might have burned his bridges at Elland Road, it seems as though he could be on his way out of Leverkusen either in January or in the summer when his contract expires.
That’s according to Bild journalist Phillip Arens who spoke to Leeds Live about the player:
“No, this would make no sense to my mind (leaving in January), because he is a free agent 2024. If a club makes an offer, Lev would sell him, because in summer he brings nothing.
“Only way would be an extension, but I don‘t see this.”
Amiri would have been a very shrewd signing for us to have made, but that ship has now sailed and I don’t see the club dwelling on this missed opportunity.
In January, Amiri won’t be an attracting pick-up for Leeds, given that he’s going to be heading into 2024 off the back of virtually no playing time.
We need players that will be committed to the club, but also that can hit the ground running too, and Amiri is neither of those.
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