Leeds United target could be loaned out ahead of permanent deal | OneFootball

Berisha could potentially be allowed to secure a temporary exit, before making it permanent.

Hoffenheim striker Mergim Berisha could potentially be loaned out by his current club before being sold on a permanent deal amid links to Leeds United.

That news comes courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Ben Heckner, who believes the Whites remain interested in a deal for the 26-year-old.

The West Yorkshire side face an interesting situation in their striker area during the January transfer window.

As things stand, they could probably benefit from adding another forward to their disposal, with Patrick Bamford set to be on the sidelines for around a month with a hamstring injury.

There was speculation regarding his future ahead of the current window, but he doesn't look set to move on now, with this setback likely to keep him at Elland Road beyond the end of the deadline.

Joe Gelhardt, however, is someone who could potentially secure a move away from the club in the coming weeks, having been frozen out by Daniel Farke for much of the German's time at the club.

Even though Farke has decided to retain the striker throughout his tenure at Elland Road, his opportunities have been limited, so a loan exit seems logical for the young forward.

He isn't short of interest, with Plymouth Argyle among teams thought to be interested in him. Football League World has previously revealed he's also on QPR's radar.

Latest on Mergim Berisha's future amid Leeds United links

It's fair to say that Berisha hasn't been a goalscoring machine this term.

However, he has shone in other seasons and that more than compensates for his lack of goals during the 2024/25 campaign so far.

The fact he hasn't scored much hasn't deterred other teams from taking an interest in him, with Leeds and Werder Bremen both showing an interest.

That is according to Heckner, who believes Berisha could go out on a one-and-a-half-year loan deal before securing a permanent move.

Leeds United face an interesting dilemma in their striker area

Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph could benefit from having more competition in the forward area if Gelhardt leaves, but what type of striker they bring in remains to be seen, if they invest in this area.

A new signing's game time could be limited by the talented Piroe and young forward Joseph, who Leeds will surely be keen to keep playing as they look to develop the Spanish attacker.

If they are to sign someone on a permanent basis though, they need to ensure this player can operate in both the Premier League and Championship.

If they can't, they shouldn't make this addition, because they need to be recruiting with one eye on the top flight.