“Leeds United Plot Move for £11.6m Forward Jesse Marsch Desperately Wanted at Elland Road!”

Leeds United’s January transfer priorities may include strengthening their striker options, despite having several forwards already in their ranks.

While the team could benefit from reinforcements in the number 10 position behind Brenden Aaronson and in central defense, their striking department could soon see significant changes.

Current first-choice striker Joel Piroe has contributed to 15 goals this season, scoring 10 and assisting five, while young prospect Mateo Joseph is viewed as one for the future.

However, the situations of Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt could prompt movement in the transfer market.

Bamford, who hasn’t started a league game this season, is attracting interest from both Wrexham and Genoa.

His latest injury setback, causing him to miss the Hull City draw, might signal the end of his Leeds career, with the upcoming Harrogate FA Cup fixture potentially representing his final opportunity.

Meanwhile, Gelhardt is actively seeking a January move away from Elland Road.

According to The Mail’s sports section (January 6, page 10), Leeds are monitoring Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha.

The German international, who joined Hoffenheim for £11.6 million in summer 2023, has struggled to make an impact, managing just one goal in 24 appearances.

Interestingly, former Leeds manager Jesse Marsch had previously attempted to sign Berisha, making a £1.7 million bid when the striker was at Fenerbahce, as reported by Turkish outlet Yeni Safak in 2022.

Manager Daniel Farke’s interest in additional firepower stems from Piroe’s inconsistent performances, despite his impressive statistics, while Joseph has only found the net twice this season.

The potential departures of both Bamford and Gelhardt could necessitate reinforcement in the striking department.

Berisha’s connections to current Leeds players Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober, his former teammates at Red Bull Salzburg, could facilitate any potential transfer.

This follows Marsch’s previous pattern of targeting former players, having brought in Aaronson, Wober, Tyler Adams, and Rasmus Kristensen during his tenure, while also pursuing Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan.