da betcris： Pundit Kevin Phillips has been giving his thoughts to Leeds’ January transfer window, Football Insider report, as Marcelo Bielsa prepares his squad for a trip to Aston Villa.
The Lowdown: Quiet January
da pinnacle： Victor Orta failed to bring in any senior players for Bielsa last month, with teenage forward Mateo Joseph Fernandez the only arrival in the club’s academy.
The Whites did make two bids for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, both of which were turned down, with no other serious midfield targets being explored.
That has left Bielsa with just four midfield options, one of which is Kalvin Phillips, who is set to return from injury next month.
The Latest: Phillips’ comments
Leeds return to action for the first time since the winter window closed this evening, with Bielsa’s side travelling to Villa Park in the Midlands.
Phillips, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding the club’s call to not make any senior additions last month. He labelled he was ‘surprised’ at the decision and added that Orta and Bielsa are the only two who ultimately decided against doing so.
“It’s bizarre.
“Only Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa can answer why they didn’t get anyone in.
“You think they’d want to freshen it up, especially seeing as this season hasn’t gone to plan. They have had so many injuries.
“A new signing can give everyone a lift. It can inspire people. Bielsa has shown he can be very stubborn or maybe it is because they don’t have the finances. Who knows.
“I’m surprised they didn’t dip into the market though. A couple of new faces would have been a big help for the run-in.”
The Verdict: A gamble…
Should Leeds pull away from flirting with relegation over the coming weeks, a lack of January activity may be forgotten about entirely by the majority of supporters – it may even become a blessing in disguise with more cash to splash in the summer, when clubs are typically more willing to do business.
However, with tricky trips to Aston Villa and Everton to navigate over the next four days before facing heavyweights Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham, Leeds could find themselves in a serious battle for survival by the end of the month.
Orta and Bielsa appeared to have taken a risk by failing to bring anyone in, but only time will tell if their decision was ultimately a wise one or a mistake.
In other news: Leeds gifted another injury boost pre-Villa as Phil Hay relays news involving ‘important’ player.