The January transfer window was a strong one for Leeds United. The Whites ended the month with a stronger squad than they started it, that is for certain and the club will have belief that they can pull away from danger in the Premier League table over the next few months.
Four new faces arrived through the door, with additions being made throughout the spine of the team. Max Wober has strengthened the back line, while the club have high hopes that Diogo Monteiro will be able to progress into the first-team picture before too long.
Weston McKennie and Georginio Rutter are exciting signings in midfield and attack and they certainly add plenty to Jesse Marsch’s group of players. However, it was the business Leeds didn’t do that was perhaps one of their best moves over the month, keeping hold of Jack Harrison despite strong interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.
Read more: Leeds United dynamic shifts after owners' move as Jesse Marsch gets what he wants
Leicester City were the antagonists, but United held firm and they’ll be confident of tying him down to a new long-term deal in the not too distant future. With that in mind, Leeds Live take a look at some of the club’s contract priorities now the January window has closed.
Jack Harrison
As mentioned above, keeping hold of Harrison will be seen as one of January’s greatest successes and the club look to be close to securing his future beyond the end of next season. The winger’s current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2023-24 campaign and Leeds would risk losing him on a free then if new terms couldn't be agreed upon.
However, according to Sky Sports, a deal is close to being finalised after United agreed to match the terms he was offered by Leicester City on deadline day, while he was having a medical with the Foxes.
The winger’s form has been up and down lately but when he’s fit and firing on all cylinders, he provides a huge threat. He took the opportunity to underline his importance to the club on Saturday at Accrington Stanley with a superb goal capping what was a fine performance in the Lancashire drizzle and Leeds will be keen to see him find consistency and compete for a spot in the starting XI over the second half of the campaign.
Even if interest in Harrison was to spill over into the summer months, the new contract would uphold his value and ensure Leeds would be able to command a higher fee, as we saw with Diego Llorente, who joined AS Roma on deadline day just a month or so after renewing his terms at Elland Road. Llorente’s switch is a loan move, but it will become permanent in the summer with Leeds recouping most of the money they paid for him two and a half years ago.
Read more: Win tickets to the Premier League or Women's Super League match of your choice
Robin Koch
It’s hard to imagine that Koch’s new deal wouldn’t be high up on the club’s list of priorities. The German has been arguably Leeds’ best defensive player this season, showcasing his talents on a regular basis as a right-sided centre-back.
As such, the Whites will be aware of the fact his contract is currently due to expire at the end of next season and they may have already started conversations regarding new terms with him. Koch was excellent alongside Wober in the heart of defence against Brentford and, despite being suspended for the club’s next game, he’s due to have a big say on the rest of Leeds’ season.
Given his form, age and high ceiling, Koch would certainly attract interest from across the continent should his contract enter its final 12 months in summer and Leeds will surely be keen to nip that possibility in the bud.
Rodrigo
There’s an interesting debate to be had over the Spaniard’s future, with his contract due to expire on June 30, 2024. Rodrigo will be 33 by the time his current deal is up and that’s not exactly the optimum age for a renewal, but he has found potent form under Marsch and, at the time of writing, he has bagged 12 goals this season.
He seems to be getting better with age at Elland Road and he has shown he has plenty to offer in terms of leadership and personality, particularly to the Spanish-speaking members of the side. As such, while any new deal isn’t likely to be long in length given his age, the club may be keen to see him stick around.
A decision isn’t likely to come for a while yet and it will require plenty of foresight, particularly as the likes of Rutter, Joe Gelhardt, Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph continue to develop, but while he’s in such good form, a new deal on the right terms could appeal.
Cody Drameh
Drameh cut a frustrated figure over the first half of the season after finding himself to be rooted behind Luke Ayling and Ramus Kristensen in the pecking order at Elland Road. The 21-year-old was forced to drop down to the youth side in order to get the required game time and he’ll be hoping to send a clear message to Marsch now he has joined Luton Town on loan.
However, unless something can be agreed in the coming months, Drameh will be approaching the final year of his deal when he returns to his parent club at the end of the Championship season. He’s a player with a bright future, reports of recent interest from Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund prove that, and the last thing Leeds want to entertain is the idea of losing him either on the cheap or for nothing.
Drameh may need certain first-team assurances before putting pen to paper, but given his potential, Leeds may well be keen to see him stick around and continue to develop at Elland Road.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United's best XI right now after January transfer additions as Marsch faces tough calls
Leeds United's patient Diogo Monteiro plan clear amid Wilfried Gnonto similarities
Jesse Marsch moves step closer to Leeds United wish following Patrick Bamford breakthrough
Leeds United youngsters best placed to succeed following January loan calls
