The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Wednesday 1st October) Will Leeds be able to strengthen in January
Good Morning. It's Wednesday 1st October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Will Leeds be able to strengthen in January
For years, newly promoted clubs entering the Premier League from the Championship have often been cast as relegation favourites before a ball is even kicked. Survival, rather than success, has usually defined their campaigns as they adapt to the unforgiving pace, quality, and financial disparity of the top flight. Yet this season has brought a refreshing twist to that familiar narrative.
Leeds and Sunderland in particular have looked far from overawed, determined to prove they belong among England’s elite. Their early resilience has forced a shift in perspective. Instead of targeting points against the “new boys,” established top flight outfits could find themselves dragged into the relegation equation.
For mid-table clubs who often assume safety by default, the fight to stay up could become far more complex and nerve-racking. No longer is simply finishing above the promoted clubs a reliable insurance policy. This shift suggests that avoiding relegation may now demand greater consistency and ambition, even from seasoned Premier League outfits like West Ham, Wolves and even Brentford.
If the trend continues, the hardest battles for survival may not be fought against the newcomers, but against rivals who have grown complacent in the belief that their experience alone would guarantee safety. Leeds have the opportunity to strengthen in January, but do Leeds need to sell before they can buy?
Managing Director Robbie Evans stated that Leeds had spent everything they could during the summer transfer window. This suggests they may have to sell players before they can buy, which would mean parting with one of the best players. AO Tanaka fits within that bracket, but it remains unclear whether he has the physical attributes to make it in the top flight.
Only Ampadu (£30m) and possibly Struijk (£20m) are likely to fetch offers good offers, but selling them would be counter productive. Meslier, Harrison and Gruev are surplus to requirements, but would be unlikely to generate much more than £10m between them. Wilfred Gnonto could fetch good money, but his 40% sell on clause would make any deal pointless.
Bellamy full of admiration for Leeds skipper
Wales manager Craig Bellamy was full of admiration for Leeds skipper Ethan Ampadu during his squad announcement for the upcoming international fixtures, highlighting the midfielder’s maturity, leadership, and importance to the national team setup. Speaking to the media, Bellamy emphasised just how impressed he has been with Ampadu’s influence, particularly given his relatively young age. “His leadership skills, for someone so young, is beyond impressive,” Bellamy noted, underscoring the qualities that have seen Ampadu handed the armband at Leeds and trusted as a key figure for Wales.
Beyond his leadership, Bellamy also praised his technical ability, singling him out as the kind of player who can dictate play in the deep midfield role. It is a position Bellamy regards as crucial, both for controlling games and providing balance, and he was quick to stress that Ampadu perfectly fits the mould of a modern defensive midfielder.
While the Premier League season may only be six games in, Ampadu has wasted no time in establishing himself as an indispensable linchpin, in front of the Leeds defence. His influence is starkly reflected in the team's newfound resilience. Barring a difficult afternoon at the Emirates, Leeds have conceded a mere four goals in their other five matches—a statistic that serves as a powerful testament to the skipper's organisational prowess and unwavering dedication.
His leadership skills, for someone so young, is beyond impressive. But he’s just a talented player and has the — I know you hear me like broken record — but he definitely has the profile I like in a six. And, also, the big part of this as well is we need depth in that area. So, when Ethan is out, you have to have that depth. Now, we’ve been able to expose that as well in being able to give players the opportunity.
Because we haven’t had Ethan. But, for me, it’s such a key area of the pitch for how we play. And Ethan is a top level performer in that area. So, hopefully, everything comes off and he’s able to meet up with us Sunday. Because, these two games, with the intensity that’s going to come, the angles we’re going to need to create, the speed that we’re going to have to create those angles at, he is definitely a player that is able to do that.