Leeds United have Joe Worrall replacement already as new medical update emerges

This time around, Leeds United kept their January transfer window open for business, and Connor Roberts’ arrival on deadline day was the lone addition to Daniel Farke’s playing roster.

Leeds was linked to a number of names throughout the month, including Ben Godfrey and Manuel Benson, who were both suggested for a midseason transfer to Elland Road, despite the paucity of transactions.

Joe Worrall, a defender for Nottingham Forest who had fallen out of favour at the City Ground this season, was one name that kept coming up throughout January, though. The Whites are rumoured to be interested in the defender.

According to sources, Nuno Espirito Santo only allowed for a temporary switch late on deadline day, which meant the Whites didn’t have enough time to finalise a deal. As a result, Forest acted extremely late to make the center-back available on loan [Alan Nixon, 1 February].

Nevertheless, it appears that Besiktas has emerged victorious in the competition to sign the 27-year-old, and the Forest defender is scheduled to undergo a medical examination prior to joining the Turkish powerhouses on a loan basis for the balance of the season [The Athletic, 4 February].

Daniel Farke has perfect Worrall solution at Leeds United in Ethan Ampadu

Although some Leeds United fans will be devastated to learn that they will not be able to add more options to their defence, Farke has demonstrated in recent weeks that he already has the ideal extra defensive player in his lineup.

With strong performances against teams like Bristol City and Preston North End, Ethan Ampadu has moved into the backline alongside Joe Rodon and proven he is more than capable of becoming the Whites’ third or fourth center-back option.

According to statistics provided by Fotmob, the Welshman was dominant with the ball at his feet against Preston, winning 90% of his 71 attempted passes as well as all six of his ground duels and three of his four defensive skirmishes.

Since coming from Chelsea to Leeds United, Ampadu has excelled in Farke’s midfield.

The 23-year-old may perform best when used in midfield, but over the past month, he has demonstrated that he can cover in the backline should Farke’s team sustain several injuries.

Throughout the January transfer window, Farke stated that Leeds could not afford to be “naive” and run out of options.

Even while some supporters would worry that by passing over Worrall, they have done just that, Ampadu has demonstrated that the Whites are good enough to get promoted automatically.