Emi Buendia signs: The dream Leeds United XI once the transfer window closes | OneFootball

FLW outline Leeds United's ideal and realistic end to the transfer window and the dream XI Daniel Farke could then field.

Leeds United and Daniel Farke will know how big the final few weeks of the transfer window could be in the race for automatic promotion from the Championship.

Leeds have seen promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United secure impressive signings already, with Enzo Le Fée and Ben Brereton-Diaz respectively. It highlights how pivotal fresh faces could be in the run-in by giving teams an extra edge.

Numerous players from last season continue to be key pieces of the promotion puzzle, but numerous summer signings have also added to this team. For that reason, Leeds have a strong squad already, as outlined by their league position, but adding further would strengthen their hand even more.

There is plenty of speculation and conjecture currently in the run-up to the deadline on February 3rd, and here, we have taken a look at what Leeds' dream line-up could look like by the time the window slams shut.

GK: Carl Rushworth

The chances of Leeds signing a goalkeeper this month are slim-to-none. However, should Illan Meslier make another mistake, there is a chance a new stopper could be secured.

In a dream world, securing Carl Rushworth would be a more reliable and competent upgrade on the Frenchman, who has been anything but that for some time now.

RB: Jayden Bogle

One of Leeds’ outstanding players this season, Jayden Bogle has excelled with either Dan James or Willy Gnonto ahead of him. The 24-year-old has come into his own as the season has progressed.

CB: Joe Rodon

One of the mainstays for the last 18 months for Farke, Joe Rodon has been an immense and consistent part of the side. That’s despite seeing his partner change more often than he would like.

CB: Pascal Struijk

Leeds may be seeking additional cover for Pascal Struijk, given his recent injury woes. However, he will always start when fit for Leeds. Max Wöber and the Dutchman’s injury struggles should be a concern for Farke and his team, though, and there have been links to centre-backs for increased depth, such as Andrew Omobamidele and Nico Elvedi.

LB: Junior Firpo

Wöber and Sam Byram may well be options in the left-back position, but Junior Firpo made it his own in 2024 and showed the kind of consistency Leeds fans had craved for many a year prior. He is out of contract this summer, but while Leeds remain in the second tier, Firpo remains the obvious choice.

DM: Ethan Ampadu

The club-captain has shown his class since returning from a knee injury back in September. Ethan Ampadu is arguably the first name on the teamsheet at either centre-back or in his best position of midfield.

DM: Ao Tanaka

Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have seldom featured alongside each other at the base of midfield, but on paper at least, it appears to be a Premier League pair in the making. Promotion could be easily attainable if they play regularly alongside one another, which could also allow Tanaka to get forward more regularly and join the attack.

RW: Willy Gnonto

There’s plenty of debate as to who should start out wide in Leeds’ set up, given how each player has contributed well to goals and assists. Either James or Gnonto could start for Farke, and it’s likely to chop and change plenty more times before the season ends.

AM: Emi Buendia

Although he may be a difficult player to acquire, Emi Buendia could be the key to promotion for Leeds this season. His quality at championship level is undeniable and his 2021 Championship Player of the Year award underlines that.

A reunion with Farke could reignite his career, while also making the difference for Leeds. The Argentine could operate in a more central role but knit things together in the final third on a consistent basis when needed for just 18 crucial games.

LW: Manor Solomon

Given Largie Ramazani’s recent antics, he could also be a part of this Leeds team, and is certain to have a part to play in the run-in. Manor Solomon, however, has been Leeds' most consistently dangerous attacker of late.

CF: Joel Piroe

There’s plenty of debate regarding Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph in the Leeds fanbase. Many believe the Spaniard offers more for the other forwards as a facilitator, but it’s difficult to ignore Piroe’s goals and assists this term, which could soar with Buendia in behind.