Leeds United are in an interesting situation at the start of 2025, sitting first in the Championship, one point ahead of Burnley and Sheffield United.
However, there is still plenty of football to be played, and as things stand, the fight for automatic promotion appears to be tight.
With this in mind, Daniel Farke will need to strengthen his squad this month to put the Whites in a solid position for the balance of the season.
However, it is not only their own transfers that could influence the West Yorkshire club’s fate this season.
According to the Yorkshire Evening Post (7 January), James Trafford could leave Burnley for Newcastle United for £20 million in the January transfer window, which could boost Leeds’ ambitions.
Leeds United could benefit from the James Trafford trade.
With the competition for the top of the Championship table so close, Trafford’s exit from Turf Moor might prove costly for Scott Parker’s side, which would undoubtedly aid Leeds’ aspirations.
The 22-year-old has been a star performer in the second division this season, keeping 16 clean sheets in 25 appearances.
More impressively, the Clarets have conceded only nine goals this season, demonstrating how important the goalie is to Burnley’s remarkable run.
While Parker’s team would undoubtedly be in a good position to replace the player given the price they would receive, there is no doubt that this would be a departure that would disrupt the squad, with Trafford’s brilliance difficult to replicate.
With that in mind, Farke’s team may find themselves with one less formidable rival to face near the end of the season. It’ll be fascinating to see how this one plays out.
