Leeds United find themselves on the cusp of a much-needed reprieve from the international break as they look forward to a run of uninterrupted Championship action. Daniel Farke’s side has admirably kept pace with their early promotion rivals despite the disruption of three international breaks in quick succession. The team’s recent 2-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers saw them cut Sunderland’s four-point lead in half, indicating their determination and resilience in the face of stop-start football.
With several key first-team players set to depart for international duty over the next two weeks, including some representing Leeds, Farke is already planning for the upcoming clash against Swansea City. In the meantime, the latest updates from the club include intriguing developments surrounding the futures of Archie Gray at Tottenham Hotspur and potential exits for Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.
Gray, who made the move from Leeds to Tottenham in a high-profile £40 million deal over the summer, seems determined to remain at the North London club despite struggling for regular playing time. While there have been rumours of a possible loan move in January to secure more minutes, recent reports suggest that Gray is committed to earning a spot in Ange Postecoglou’s plans and is aiming for a breakthrough season in 2025 with his new team.
On the other hand, Bellingham has been a standout performer for Sunderland this season, attracting interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund. The attacking midfielder’s potential move to a top European club could see him command a fee exceeding £20 million, posing a significant loss for Sunderland as they seek to challenge Leeds for automatic promotion. Additionally, Crystal Palace’s reported interest in 17-year-old Rigg adds another layer of uncertainty to Sunderland’s January transfer plans as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Championship.
