January 20, 2025
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After major changes to the recruitment system this week, Daniel Farke is anticipated to continue to have a strong influence over the deals that his Leeds United team makes during the January window.

Just outside the top two, the Whites are confident of their chances at the second time of asking as they enter the third international break of the season and the final one of 2024.

Daniel Farke may now have some time to evaluate the team before January, and he will be happy with how his team has handled what might have been an extremely trying time because of injuries.

Leeds’ hiring process has seen an interesting change this month with the announcement that technical director Gretar Steinsson is departing the team.
He has moved into a similar position within 49ers Enterprises overall, and Leeds should continue to gain directly from his strategy research in the future.

The departure of Jordan Miles, the club’s head of recruitment, who joined from Aberdeen in February of this year, is another change.

Leeds will not be replacing Steinsson, but Alex Davies has already stepped up to fill the Miles vacancy internally.

A list of those who will play a major role in Leeds’ handling of the January window and beyond has now been released by The Athletic.

First up is manager Farke, who still holds a “big role” when it comes to player recruitment, as has always been the case when he joined in the summer of 2023:
“Farke has a significant influence on his squad’s size and composition as well as transactions. Transfers are a team effort, and the manager’s participation is essential, as has been the goal under 49ers ownership.

“Farke is ultimately in charge of on-field performance and is the one who answers media enquiries about incomings and outgoings.”

Transfer decisions have been greatly influenced by the German’s recommendations of certain players. For example, Farke has long loved Ao Tanaka after linking with him during his first window in charge, while Ilia Gruev is a Bundesliga player from Werder Bremen.
The additions made in January might mean the difference between Leeds winning promotion easily and having a difficult season like the one before.

The team may have a far better chance of getting promoted if they agree on goals and take quick, efficient action in the new year.
It all boils down to Farke having faith in the other employees in the hiring process to find the best players for him.

 

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