During the January transfer window, Daniel Farke’s side was linked with many top-tier right-backs, but their efforts may fall through.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Leeds United are looking for defensive reinforcements in the January transfer window, with Neco Williams, Ben Davies, and Calvin Ramsay among those connected.
- Journalist Dean Jones feels that the pursuit of Williams may be based on hope rather than expectation.
- That could indicate that their pursuit of other targets is based on hope rather than expectation, which could work against them as they seek to bolster the right-back department.
- Leeds United are continuing their search for defensive reinforcements, with numerous players linked with a move to Elland Road during the January transfer window.
Daniel Farke’s side were apparently interested in acquiring Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams, according to Phil Hay of The Athletic, who appeared on The Square Ball Podcast.
In recent days, the Whites have also been connected with moves for Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies and Liverpool’s Calvin Ramsay, according to The Athletic and the Daily Mail.
But, according to journalist Dean Jones, Leeds’ pursuit of Williams was “more in hope than expectation” when he spoke with Give Me Sport, and the same could be said for their pursuits of Davies and Ramsey.
Given his resume, Davies is a very ambitious objective. The quantity of full-backs on their radar could indicate that they are exploring a variety of options rather than a single key target.
It’s something that could work against them.
Neco Williams’ transfer to Leeds United “difficult one to do”
There is little doubt that Farke wants to add depth to his defence, particularly at right-back.
After taking advantage of a break clause in Djed Spence’s loan move from Tottenham Hotspur, which led in his stint with the Whites being cut short earlier this month, the Championship high-flyers are looking for reinforcements.
Farke’s decision to let Luke Ayling to join Middlesbrough for the rest of the season rather than extend his contract has further reduced his right-back options, sparking interest in West Ham’s Ben Johnson.
Forest’s Williams has also been linked, as previously noted.
However, journalist Jones believes Farke has queried about the full-back’s availability in the hopes of completing an unexpected move, which might be a similar technique to the latest speculations about Davies and Ramsay joining the club.
“I do think that this one is going to be really difficult to do,” Jones told GiveMeSport.
“Obviously, Forest are dealing with new issues at the moment, which may benefit Leeds in some manner in landing him. However, Forest has no intention of removing Williams this month.
“It’s fascinating that Leeds are looking into it, but I believe it’s also worth noting that Leeds are now in contact with four or five players of similar nature. It was definitely more of a hope than an expectation that they could actually close a deal for Williams.”
The most recent transfer news on Ben Davies and Calvin Ramsay.
According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, the 30-year-old Welsh international is unlikely to join Daniel Farke’s team this month unless his present club makes modifications that allow him to move on loan before the transfer deadline.
He wrote: “They also have a speculative eye on Ben Davies in case at Tottenham Hotspur make changes to their roster before deadline day, making him a possible loan target.
“Another Wales international, and someone well known to possible Elland Road teammates Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, and Dan James, Davies can play as both a left-back and a left-sided centre-back, which Farke would benefit from in the second half of the season.
“However, it feels incredibly unlikely that Spurs would sanction such a move.”
Ramsay’s future remains uncertain after returning to Liverpool on Monday from a loan spell at Preston North End.
Ramsay missed four months of this season due to injury and battled for playing time in Ryan Lowe’s squad, prompting his comeback.
Leeds’ full-back problems have been compounded by injuries to Spence, Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, and Jamie Shackleton. The latter three have also had a dismal injury record throughout their careers.
Adding another injury-prone player does little to address the issue of Leeds’ need for someone who can play frequently during the run-in.
