Leeds United’s newest transfer plans becomes obvious as a serious issue is identified

All the latest news from Elland Road as Leeds United prepare for what might be a decisive January transfer window.

Leeds United began 2024 with a victory over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day at Elland Road. The win was much-needed after two straight losses over the holiday season, but Leeds will try to use it as a springboard to go forward.

Daniel Farke‘s team are now fourth in the Championship, looking to surge into the top two in the coming months before the season truly heats up. As the January window approaches, we’ve compiled a list of some of the evening’s Elland Road headlines.

Koch’s plans have emerged.

According to German news agency BILD, Eintracht Frankfurt appear to be poised to sign Leeds United loanee Robin Koch on a permanent basis.

Koch is halfway through a loan term with the Bundesliga club after leaving Elland Road following the team’s relegation from the Premier League, and his performances in his homeland have attracted the eye.

The defender is available on a free transfer this summer, and the report suggests that Frankfurt intends to offer him a three-year contract to secure his services, with talks likely to begin soon.

Merson emphasises the problem

Paul Merson believes Leeds United must find a way to replicate their home-field swagger on the road.

The Whites have lost their previous three away games, falling to promotion rivals Sunderland, Preston North End, and West Bromwich Albion over the winter break. They are unbeaten at home this season, with Elland Road proving to be a fortress, as Birmingham City discovered on New Year’s Day, falling 3-0 to Daniel Farke’s Whites.

“I think it’s a little bit like Newcastle up in the Premier League,” Merson told Sky Sports. “It’s a different experience playing there. When I watch Leeds play at home, they’re like Newcastle in that they go for you. They play at a rapid speed for 20 minutes in an attempt to win. They don’t seem to play like that away from home. I believe that’s what they need to do: take a chance away from home. Instead of being consistent, play as they do at home.

“It’s easier said than done when you’ve got a crowd like that behind you, but that’s probably what they have to do.” If they do not turn that away form around, they will not automatically go up and will be in the lottery.”