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Leeds United left most of their transfer business until the final day of the window. The lack of business in January has previously cost Leeds, but with two new players and two loans made permanent, things are looking good. Let’s have a look at the comings and goings at Elland Road in January.
Players Brought In
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Pablo Hernandez
Original club: Al-Arabi
Fee: Free
Story: The Spanish wizard's creativity and passing ability has been one of the cornerstones to our success so far this season. Since arrival on loan in the summer from Al-Arabi, he has treated us all to high class performances. As we approached January we all hoped Garry Monk and the owners would ensure Hernandez stayed and that exactly what they did - Hernández signed a permanent six-month contract with the club and has the option to extend the contact by 12 months at the end of the season. Hopefully he will soon be showing off his talent in the Premier League.
Alfonso Pedraza
Original club: Villarreal
Fee: Loan
Story: Pedraza is a Spanish under-21 International. The left-footed Spaniard arrives from Villarreal initially on loan with a view to a permanent move if Leeds achieve promotion. His dribbling pace and eye for a goal will breathe new life into the attacking midfield.
Modou Barrow
Original club: Swansea
Fee: Loan
Story: The Gambian International is another player to have plied his trade under Garry Monk at Swansea. The winger had a few eyes on him throughout January but decided to join Leeds on deadline day. Barrow's dribbling and crossing talent will supplement Chris Wood's wonderful heading capabilities and Barrow can also adapt and play upfront if required.
Pontus Jansson
Original club: Torino
Fee: £3.5 million
Story: The deal we were all wanting and waiting for has happened. Pontus Jansson will become a permanent Leeds player in the summer after Leeds and Torino agreed a deal worth £3.5 million. In recent years, nobody has grasped the ethos of the club like Pontus.
Players headed out
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Luke Murphy
Position: Midfield
Loaned to: Burton
Story: Luke Murphy has had a difficult time this season, having only featured against Luton in the EFL Cup this season. Sometimes players don’t fit a manager's system and Murphy didn't fit Gary Monk’s. Luke deserves to play regular football and Burton have got a really good player, who has already scored a wonderful goal against QPR
Toumani Diagouraga
Position: Midfield
Loaned to: Ipswich FC
Story: Diagouraga's story mirrors that of Murphy’s - Since a dismal performance against QPR on the opening day, Diagouraga's time at Elland Road seemed to be coming to an end. Both him and Murphy found themselves removed from the match day programme. The quality we now have in the middle of the park is better than last season and Toumani Diagouraga is a product of last season and the Steve Evans era.
Alex Mowatt
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Sold to: Barnsley
Fee: undisclosed (however reported £500,000)
Story: Like most others I was disappointed when Mowatt left, another youth product gone to pastures new. However, after the signings we made, the deal made more sense. I rate Mowatt highly but as the team push forward with Barrow, Pedraza, Dallas, Roofe and Sacko, it feels like Mowatt would have been left behind and for a player of that quality and everything he has done for the club he more than deserves to move on. Maybe one day we will see that left foot smashing the ball home from 30 yards.
Overall, a good window where on the face of it we have strengthened and look like a decent outfit. MOT.
Please let us know your opinions on Leeds’ business in the comment section below.