Leeds United will be among a host of clubs using the World Cup as an opportunity to scout potential targets for the January window. With 32 nations from across the globe set to jet off to Qatar for the six-week tournament, it provides players with the opportunity to put themselves on the big stage that they may not necessarily get at club level.
Leeds are already renowned for having a broad scouting network and it wouldn't be a surprise if they have a number of players on their radar they will want to keep an eye on. So, with that in mind, here is a look at four potential players they could be looking out for.
Daichi Kamada - Japan
Should Leeds be looking to January to improve the quality of their attacking output, then Japan's Daichi Kamada should be someone they take a close look at in Qatar. Kamada has enjoyed a superb start to the season at club level for Eintracht Frankfurt with 12 goals and three assists in all competitions, which is comfortably the best of his career in the Bundesliga.
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Leeds have struggled to score goals at times so far this season and adding him to the three behind the striker would certainly help address that issue. Kamada is excellent in possession in tight areas and has that added bit of quality needed in the final third.
Leeds have been linked with him in the past, and perhaps a good World Cup could tip them towards making a move, particularly with his contract set to expire next summer.
Noah Okafor - Switzerland
Another player to have been linked with Leeds in recent weeks/months is Red Bull Salzburg striker Noah Okafor. Okafor looks set to represent Switzerland at the tournament after breaking into the squad in the last year or so.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign at club level with nine goals already, including three in the Champions League. It is no secret that Leeds remain keen on a striker and a positive tournament will only increase interest in his services.
Joakim Maehle - Denmark
Left back still remains a problem position for Leeds, despite the form of Pascal Struijk. Struijk, though, is naturally a centre back and the signing of a natural in that role would enable the Dutchman to return to his favoured position, and most importantly benefit Leeds.
Joakim Maehle is an attacking full back set to represent dark horses Denmark in Qatar, and his stats of nine goals and six assists in 31 caps are very impressive. The only issue with Maehle is that he is naturally right footed, but that has not seemed to matter in recent years and inverted full backs are becoming more popular in the game.
Jose Cifuentes - Ecuador
Jose Cifuentes has already been linked to the likes of Leeds and Brighton, but a good World Cup could really put him in the shop window. Cifuentes plays his club football at Los Angeles FC and has put some impressive stats up from midfield this season with seven goals and six assists.
That said, performing in the MLS, and performing at the World Cup are two totally different prospects which makes this an important tournament on a personal level for him. Currently on paper, he looks like a player who could provide a good alternative to what Leeds have in midfield at the moment.
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