3 Leeds Star Players awaiting the January Exit.

Leeds United have a tough fixture schedule coming up as January approaches. The Whites are just outside the relegation zone, but everyone knows that a few bad results could see them fall into trouble.

Daniel Farke’s side have had mixed results this season, but overall, Leeds have performed better than expected. The team still has some big problems that can be seen on the pitch.

In the summer window, the lack of investment in the attack was pointed out. 10 new players were signed but only three of them were attackers – Lukas Nmecha, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.

It has become quite noticeable that Leeds’ bad results this season have largely come from the fact that the attack cannot convert their chances. The Whites have created 12.0 expected goals (xG) this season but have only scored nine goals. Their -3.0 difference ranks them among the top five teams with the worst finishing in the league.
Three Leeds players linked with January exits

Leeds can dip into the January market for solutions, but in order to do that, they may need to shift a few players first. Some reports are already emerging about who could leave Elland Road in over a month (player valuations courtesy of transfermarkt).
Illan Meslier – valued at £12m

Meslier has been a player that has been linked with an exit since the summer. After losing his place in the first team he was heavily linked with an exit. But no club had a good enough offer to take him away from Elland Road. The Frenchman is out of contract in the summer, and the club could cash in on him when January comes around.
Ilia Gruev – valued at £7m

This summer saw two new midfielders added to Leeds’ cast from last year. Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach have made a huge impact this season, and they have proved their worth and their price tag. Unfortunately for Ilia Gruev, he has found himself out of favour due to this. He has played 282 minutes this season, which could lead to him leaving for more playing time
Joel Piroe – valued at £16m

Another player at the club with limited playing time. The striker went from top scorer last season who featured in almost every league game, to just 254 minutes this campaign. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is clearly the first choice, and Daniel Farke has shown he prefers other options to Piroe.
Who should Leeds United sell in January?

Out of the three, who have a combined value of £35 million, there is one name who makes the most sense to be sold. Lucas Perri getting injured earlier this season showed that Meslier still needs to be around as backup. He is the only keeper after Karl Darlow that Daniel Farke would trust in goal – Alex Cairns is not good enough for Premier League level.

Leeds cannot let go of Ilia Gruev too; if they were ever to get a few injuries in midfield, he could be called upon. There are three midfield roles available, so getting rid of the Bulgarian would mean less depth.

Joel Piroe on the other hand, is the ideal candidate if Leeds United decide to sell in January. He still has a high valuation, and the club will get a decent fee for a player with a great goalscoring record.
Leeds United Strikers Comparison Premier League 2025/26 Player Minutes Played Shots Goals Expected Goals (xG) Big Chances Missed
Joel Piroe 164 6 0 0.6 1
Lukas Nmecha 206 5 1 1.8 2
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 597 6 1 1.8 5

Daniel Farke explained why the Dutchman has not played more this season. Unlike last year, Leeds do not dominate games anymore, so a pure finisher like Piroe would struggle up top. Hence why Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the preferred choice.

Piroe has not been able to get on the end of chances compared to the other center forward options too. A player who does not fit the current style, but has great value is the best option to be sold when the January window comes around.