Leeds United look set for a busy winter window after Daniel Farke changed his system to a 3-5-2.
The new shape has forced the club to rethink what type of players they need, and now the focus is moving away from wingers and straight onto centre-backs.
Reports in Europe say Leeds have already asked Real Betis about signing Brazilian defender Natan, who has become a key player in Spain.
The change of plan shows Leeds are starting to prepare early for a tough second half of the season, with Farke keen to bring in fresh defensive power to keep the team stable.
Why Leeds Don’t Need Wingers Now
Earlier in the season, Leeds were linked with wide players and even tried to sign Harry Wilson from Fulham on deadline day.
Back then, Farke was using a 4-2-3-1 system, which needed natural wingers on both sides.
The squad felt short in those areas, so signing a winger looked important.
But everything changed when Farke moved to a 3-5-2. In this setup, there is no proper place for a traditional winger, because the width comes from wing-backs instead.
That means the team no longer needs to chase wide forwards in January, and the transfer plan has moved in a new direction.
The new formation has helped Leeds look stronger in midfield and more stable at the back, but it has also shown a different problem, the squad is short of centre-backs.
Leeds Ask About Natan as New Centre-Back Option
According to reports from Italy, Leeds have now approached Natan, a 24-year-old Brazilian defender who plays for Real Betis.
The club has asked what it would take to sign him in January.
Natan joined Betis permanently from Napoli in 2025 and has made more than a dozen starts in La Liga this season.
He is quick, confident on the ball, and comfortable playing in a back three, something that fits perfectly with Farke’s new system.
The same report states that Everton is also interested, and both English clubs have been monitoring him since last summer.
But Leeds seem ready to push first, knowing that they badly need depth for the rest of the season.
Leeds Need Another Defender for the 3-5-2
This new formation has helped some players, especially Jaka Bijol, who struggled for minutes earlier in the season.
In the 3-5-2, Bijol now starts regularly alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk. However, this also highlights the problem, there is only one natural backup, Sebastiaan Bornauw.
If any of the three starters get injured or suspended, Leeds will have a serious problem.
That is why Farke wants another defender, and Natan is one of the main names on the list.
Leeds are also looking at other centre-backs, including Tylel Tati from Nantes and Chibuike Nwaiwu from Wolfsberger.
These links make it clear that Farke wants more options and plans to stick with the 3-5-2 for the long term.
What This Means for Leeds in January
The message is clear: Leeds are not wasting time. The club understands that the fight for survival will be tough, and strengthening the defence is the safest way to improve performances.
Bringing in Natan or another defender would give the manager more choices, more security, and more control in important matches.
The next few weeks will reveal whether Leeds can win the race for Natan, but one thing is certain, the winter window will be a crucial moment for the club’s season.
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