The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 21st January) Buendia's representatives fly to London to discuss future
Good Morning. It's Tuesday 21st January, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Buendia's representatives fly to London to discuss future
Aston Villa would not stand in Emi Buendia's way if he wanted to leave Villa Park this month in search of game time. That's according to Villans boss Unai Emery, who after praising the Argentine's professionalism and work rate in training, admitted he wouldn't stand in Buendia's way if he wanted to go out on loan this month. The 28 year old has recently been linked with a move to River Plate, a club he supported growing up, but for now it least it seems he is happy to stay in England. His representatives are flying to London to discuss his future!
Leeds have always maintained a willingness to strengthen during Winter transfer windows in the past, as long as the player is affordable, and would improve the quality of the starting XI. Even in the unlikely event that the club would have to cover his full salary (£80,000 per week), just over £1.1m is a small price to pay for automatic promotion, given they are just over 14 weeks between now and the end of the season!
The Leeds management team seem to be happy with their squad this window, and have struggled to find players who would significantly improve their starting eleven. But, in Buendia's case, the opportunity presents itself as a clear option to enhance the Leeds attack. Given the player's availability and quality, a move for Buendia could be a very straightforward and sensible acquisition for Leeds. Leeds stance in the January market has never been an unwillingness to strengthen, it's more not been able to find the players that would significantly improve their starting XI, but in Buendia's cas, it's a no brainer.
Debayo set to miss out on loan move
As things go, James Debayo is set to miss out on a loan move, to act as cover in-case of an injury crisis at Elland Road. That's according to Daniel Farke, speaking ahead of Wednesday nights game against former club Norwich City, who themselves have eight players missing through injury and suspension. With Wober's injury record, the gaffer is worried about the lack of cover at centre back, despite the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Joshua Guilavogui both experienced in this position. Given Debayo's one minute of game time from all competitions this season, is it not more likely that the gaffer would throw a seasoned professional like Joe Rothwell in as an emergency centre-back before experimenting with the 19yo?
We’ve allowed Joffy and Charlie, but it is important we don’t overdo it. With Pascal out, Max Wober’s availability has not been that great, I am a bit careful with doing this [letting Debayo go on loan]. At the moment, we have to make sure in terms of quality numbers, the group is not getting too small. Yes it is a possibility, but only a small possibility and only in the last few days of the window