Five La Liga Stars Leeds United Should Look At For Winter Window | OneFootball

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Leeds United have made a strong start to their second season back in the Premier League with new additions such as James Trafford, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic hitting the ground running and really impressing. There is now growing excitement at Elland Road over what Leeds can achieve.

What Leeds did miss out on in the transfer window was signing another striker, though Jean-Matteo Bahoya provided another final third option. Leeds may want to do more business in the attacking third in the winter transfer window, especially if they are seriously in contention to finish in a European spot.

Given that, Inside Futbol look at five La Liga players Leeds should consider moving to sign in January.

1. Abde Ezzalzouli – Real Betis – Winger

Abde Ezzalzouli could give Leeds a direct threat on the left that is difficult for defenders to deal with. With Noah Okafor the only recognised left-sided attacking option and young loanee Jean-Matteo Bahoya still developing, the Whites could benefit from adding more depth in that area during the second half of the season.

The Real Betis winger’s acceleration and close control allow him to take defenders on, while he can also cut inside when opponents give him room.

That ability could be valuable for Leeds against the deep blocks they are likely to encounter in the Premier League. When there is little space to play through the middle, having a winger who is willing to take responsibility and beat his man can change the game.

Abde was looked at by several Premier League sides during the summer, including Everton, who failed with a deadline day bid.

2. Cucho Hernandez – Real Betis – Striker

The Colombian is not a striker who stays between the centre-backs for 90 minutes. He likes to drop off, move into wider areas and link with team-mates before making runs into the box, providing Daniel Farke a different option than Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

That movement can be useful when Leeds need to find a way through a compact defence. Hernandez can pull defenders out of position and create room for Leeds’ midfielders or wingers to attack.

He signed a long-term contract with Real Betis, so getting him out of La Liga would not be straightforward. But if Leeds decide they need another forward who offers more mobility and combination play, his profile makes sense.

Hernandez had a stint at Watford, so he has experience of English football.

3. Mario Soriano – Deportivo la Coruna – Attacking midfielder

The 24-year-old has the technical ability to receive between the lines, operate in tight spaces and bring team-mates into play. He is also comfortable carrying the ball forward rather than simply looking for the final pass.

Soriano has started six of Deportivo’s seven La Liga games this season and has already provided two assists, showing that he has adapted well to the demands of top-flight football.

For Leeds, his ability to find pockets of space and connect midfield with the forwards could be particularly useful against teams that defend deep. He would give Farke another player capable of taking possession in the final third and making something happen.

Having only recently stepped into top-flight Spanish football, the midfielder could be tempted by Leeds’ more stable project and the chance to continue playing at the highest level in England.

4. Aimar Oroz – Osasuna – Attacking midfielder

The Osasuna midfielder has the technical ability to play between the lines and is comfortable receiving the ball in tight areas. Rather than simply looking for the final pass, he can carry possession, combine with team-mates and move into different areas of the pitch.

That versatility would give Farke more freedom with his attacking midfielders. Oroz could play centrally, drift towards the left or drop deeper to help Leeds build an attack.

At 23, he also fits the sort of age profile that could make sense for Leeds. He would have time to establish himself in the Premier League while still offering something immediately.

5. Borja Iglesias – Celta Vigo – Striker

Borja Iglesias, world champion with Spain, has lots of experience to win games at the big stage.

The Celta Vigo striker knows how to lead the line. He can hold the ball up, bring team-mates into play and give his side an outlet when opponents are pressing high.

That could be important for Leeds in matches where they cannot dominate possession. Iglesias can occupy defenders and help the team move up the pitch, allowing midfielders and wide players to join the attack.

His contract also makes him worth monitoring. His current deal with Celta Vigo runs until 2027, with an option for another year. While he would not be a long-term project, his experience could make him a useful addition if Farke wants another dependable option in the final third.

Leeds have already added plenty of depth to Farke’s squad, but January could still be an opportunity to improve their attacking options and that could ultimately be the difference between a decent season and a good season.

With injury concerns often affecting players such as Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha, the Whites could use the winter window to add more attacking depth for the second half of the season.

None of the five would be a blockbuster signing, but each could offer something different as Leeds look to maintain their strong Premier League campaign and push for European football.