Leeds United simply cannot let the transfer vultures capture these 2 Whites stars in January | OneFootball

FLW outline two crucial Leeds United players who they must hang onto in January if they are to gain promotion.

Leeds United had a summer of change after they failed to gain promotion last season, but Daniel Farke must retain the services of some key players in January if the Whites are to mount a second assault on the Championship.

Despite Red Bull's lucrative sponsorship deal with the club, Leeds losing in the play-off final was certain to have ramifications on what the club could do during the summer. A chunk of their best players were aged under 25 and that was bound to stir up interest across Europe, with many of them having outstanding seasons after the club fell just short of bouncing back to the top-flight.

Archie Gray left the club in a big-money move, alongside Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville. Glen Kamara was also sold after just one season in West Yorkshire, where he played plenty of minutes in midfield. However, Leeds retained some of the players who were vital to their success in 2023/24 as well.

The Whites may have a fight on their hands to keep all of them in January, especially with so many of Leeds' best assets being so young, and players who are near-certainties to be too good for the Championship now or by the summer after another year of development.

January is less than two months away for the club, who are aiming to restore the club’s Premier League status after a disappointing end to last season. The stakes are high, thus the importance of getting the next transfer window right this time around is greater than last season.

It could be pivotal in shaping the second half of the campaign, and recruitment discussions and plans will be going on all the time currently behind the scenes ahead of a crucial winter window for the sides in the promotion mix. Here we focus on two players that they must build the team around in 2024/25 for the remainder of the season, and fend off all interest for in January.

Willy Gnonto

Willy Gnonto has become a key player for Leeds under Farke, and his importance to the team cannot be understated. As the club hunts for promotion back to the Premier League, keeping Gnonto in January is crucial to their ambitions, given that he is arguably their most talented attacking player.

The 21-year-old Italian winger brings a dynamic edge to Leeds’ attack, with his ability to drive at defenders, create chances, and score goals. His pace, trickery, and intelligence make him a constant threat on the flanks, while his versatility allows Farke to use him in different attacking roles, making Leeds more unpredictable in the final third.

He has popped up on the right and left, while Farke is also using him in a freed up role this season. The mantle left by Rutter and Summerville has been picked up by Gnonto, who is the biggest differential in attack as the new main man at the club.

Beyond his technical ability, Gnonto's unpredictability is invaluable in a side that aims to dominate possession and control games. Leeds cannot afford to lose such a player in January, especially as they push for a top-two finish. Replacing a talent like Gnonto would be incredibly difficult in the middle of a promotion race.

His contribution is not only in goals and assists, but in how he links up play and draws defenders away from his teammates. Selling Gnonto would weaken Leeds' promotion charge, and if they want to return to the Premier League, keeping him beyond January is non-negotiable. He’s a player they simply cannot afford to lose at any price.

Pascal Struijk

Pascal Struijk has become a cornerstone of Farke’s Leeds side, and his importance in their push for promotion cannot be overstated. As the team’s vice-captain, Struijk embodies leadership and consistency, both on and off the pitch. His influence is particularly vital in a side built around Farke’s principles of possession-based football, with Leeds averaging the second-most in the division currently.

Struijk’s composure in possession is a key factor in how Leeds build their attacks from deep. He’s comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, making him a reliable outlet in defence when the opposition engages high. His passing range allows him to link play between defence and midfield smoothly in the build-up phase.

His ability to find teammates with progressive passes helps Leeds move up the pitch with purpose. Struijk also excels at breaking the lines with his ball-carrying ability, giving Leeds another way to disrupt opposition defences. Defensively, Struijk offers real physicality and strength in duels these days.

Not only that, but he reads the game exceptionally well, stepping up at the right moments to intercept or break up play. His aerial presence is also crucial in dealing with crosses and set-pieces, providing Leeds with solidity in key moments. He's become the all-round package as a centre-back, and is far too vital to sell in January.

Struijk’s growing leadership influence on the field is invaluable, and is likely bumping up his price-tag. However, Leeds should consider a new contract over selling such a key cog in the side. He sets the tone with his calmness and decision-making, helping to steady the team during difficult phases of matches, which is invaluable.

Selling Struijk in January would seriously weaken Leeds’ chances of promotion, as his blend of technical quality and leadership is irreplaceable. Keeping him is essential for their Premier League ambitions, and both he and Gnonto are players to build the team around if they are promoted.