Predicting Leeds United’s January transfer business – with a little help

The January transfer window is officially open, and Leeds United are expected to be active as they look to reinforce their squad.

The Whites are steadily laying solid foundations to ensure their Premier League survival extends beyond a single season. An impressive seven-game unbeaten run was stretched further with Sunday’s home draw against Manchester United, underlining the progress being made under Daniel Farke.

A winger and an attacking midfielder are believed to be high on Farke’s shortlist this month, while the Leeds boss has already made his position clear regarding potential departures.

So what could unfold at Elland Road in the coming weeks? To get an idea, we fired up Football Manager 2026 to see which incomings and outgoings are predicted by the world’s most popular management simulation.

OUT: Illan Meslier – £6m to Al-Shabab

The French goalkeeper has been linked with a move to Serie A in real life, but in this simulation, his next stop is the Saudi Pro League with Al-Shabab.

IN: Crysencio Summerville – loan from West Ham United

A familiar face returns to Elland Road as the former Leeds winger rejoins on loan until the end of the season.

OUT: Harry Gray – loan to Bradford City

The young prospect heads out on loan to League One side Bradford City to gain valuable senior experience.

IN: Hayden Hackney – £14m from Middlesbrough

Leeds complete their biggest deal of the window by securing the highly-rated Middlesbrough midfielder in a £14m move.

OUT: Sam Byram – loan to Charlton Athletic

The experienced full-back joins Charlton Athletic on loan, a move that appears to signal the end of his time with Leeds United.

IN: Óscar Mingueza – £6m from Celta Vigo