Leeds United fans have already found themselves in this situation, with their promotion-chasing team taking the January transfer window a little too slowly.
Indeed, this time last year, the Whites had only signed one player in the transfer season, Burnley loanee Conor Roberts, and their lack of activity may have harmed their promotion hopes as Daniel Farke’s squad got stretched.
With no new faces in the door yet, the Elland Road crowd will be concerned that a similar burnout may occur, but there is still time for Leeds to change the narrative before the window closes.
The promotion chasers could finally splash the cash this January on an up-and-coming EFL gem who, if signed before of some crucial Championship games, would give the Leeds assault an extra lift.
Leeds are racing to recruit an EFL attacker.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are currently in a race to sign Oxford United star Tyler Goodrham this month, with a number of other second-tier clubs also interested in the 21-year-old.
Football Insider goes on to say that Coventry City, Sunderland, and Swansea City are all keeping an eye on the U’s youngster, leaving Gary Rowett’s team vulnerable to losing their young attacking midfielder in the near future.
While this isn’t the most unusual purchase from Farke and Co., Goodrham may come in and provide a flexible presence in the forward spots, similar to another Leeds target, Emiliano Buendia.
He would also be a more realistic goal for the promotion contenders, who are still pursuing the Aston Villa player as the deadline approaches.
What Goodrham could provide. Leeds
While the German would love to have a dramatic reunion with Buendia, who he previously managed at Norwich City, everything may not fall into place by the early February deadline.
Whereas, a player like Goodrham would no doubt leap at the opportunity to sign for Farke’s side, with his performances for a relegation-threatened Oxford side this season standing out as a huge positive at the Kassam Stadium.
| Goodhram’s league numbers by position (24/25) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Position played | Games played | Goals scored | Assists |
| LM | 8 | 2 | 2 |
| RW | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| RM | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| AM | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| SS | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| DM | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sourced by Transfermarkt | |||
The 21-year-old has three goals and three assists in 25 league games for his hometown club, with his most recent strike in the Championship coming against Millwall to help his struggling side salvage a 1-1 draw.
Away from what is currently going on in the second tier, Goodrham was a joy to watch in League One, donning his side’s familiar yellow strip during the 2023/24 season, with eight goals – including a stunner against Charlton Athletic – and four assists to help his side secure promotion.
Buendia was similarly impactful under Farke’s guidance at Carrow Road during the 2020/21 season, scoring 15 goals and assisting 16 times in the second tier, and Goodrham hopes he can reach similar dizzy heights at Elland Road if surrounded by top-tier players.
The similarities don’t stop there, with the South American capable of playing down both wings if necessary while also fitting in as a number ten, which is where Goodrham thrives, with the Oxford number 19 capable of playing in a variety of positions.
While the “exciting” 21-year-old, as he was once dubbed by former United manager Des Buckingham, may not immediately make an impact in Farke’s starting XI, he might be a beneficial acquisition to bring in given his versatility, as Leeds look to achieve promotion between now and May.
