Alious
Leeds United are preparing for a crucial January transfer window, with strengthening their attack emerging as the top priority for the second half of the Premier League season. Daniel Farke’s side have shown signs of recovery, collecting five points from their last three matches to climb out of the relegation zone and up to 17th in the table, but the Leeds boss is fully aware that reinforcements will be essential if that momentum is to be sustained.
Farke is understood to be targeting either a winger or an attacking midfielder, while his growing use of a 5-3-2 formation has also increased the need for an additional striker. Tactical flexibility remains key, and Leeds want players capable of fitting into both a back-five system and their more familiar 4-3-3 setup.
One name firmly on Leeds’ radar is Sevilla forward Ruben Vargas. The Swiss international has enjoyed a productive start to the season in La Liga, contributing three goals and four assists in 12 league appearances as Sevilla sit ninth in the table. His performances have not gone unnoticed, but financial pressures in Spain could open the door for a January exit.
Reports suggest Sevilla are willing to listen to offers in the region of £8m for Vargas, despite the 27-year-old having more than four years remaining on his contract. Leeds are said to be keen and ready to test Sevilla’s resolve with a winter bid.
Vargas’ versatility makes him an attractive option for Farke, as he is comfortable on either wing and can also operate through the middle — a profile well suited to Leeds’ evolving tactical demands. However, Leeds are far from alone in the race.
Premier League rivals Sunderland are also pushing hard for Vargas, setting up another transfer tussle between the two clubs after the Black Cats beat Leeds to several key targets in the summer. Newcastle United are additionally believed to be monitoring the situation closely ahead of January.
Leeds’ position is complicated by ongoing Financial Fair Play constraints and a tight budget, issues that limited their business in the summer and remain a factor going into the winter window. Losing yet another priority target to Sunderland would be a major blow, especially given the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs.
Sunderland, who were willing to stretch financially to secure deals earlier in the year, currently sit eighth in the Premier League — a remarkable turnaround considering they finished 24 points behind Leeds in the Championship last season. As January approaches, Leeds face mounting pressure to act decisively in the market to avoid being left behind once again.
Alious
