š„ Leeds United Plot Ambitious Move for Brazilian Sensation Jhon Jhon Amid Growing Pressure on Daniel Farke and Attacking Crisis at Elland Road
As Daniel Farke fights to steady a turbulent season at Elland Road, Leeds Unitedās recruitment team are already working behind the scenes to identify reinforcements that could reignite the clubās faltering campaign. And according to multiple sources who have spoken exclusively to Leeds United News, one name has rapidly risen to prominence on their radar ā Brazilian forward Jhon Jhon, the breakout star of Red Bull Bragantino.
The 23-year-old, whose full name is Jhonata Varela da Silva, has become one of the most talked-about young attacking talents in the Brazilian Serie A this year, and Leeds are understood to be exploring the possibility of a January swoop.
With Leedsā attacking options stretched thin and results continuing to disappoint, the clubās hierarchy are well aware that they cannot afford to enter the second half of the Premier League campaign without serious reinforcements.
ā ļø Farke Under Growing Pressure
The mood around Elland Road has shifted dramatically over recent weeks. What began as a season full of promise has slowly turned into a campaign defined by missed chances, inconsistent performances, and mounting frustration from the stands.
Farkeās tactical discipline and possession-based style, which worked wonders in the Championship, has not yet translated into the top flight. Leedsā lack of cutting edge in front of goal has been glaring, and the managerās insistence on patience has worn thin with sections of the fanbase after a damaging 3ā1 defeat to Nottingham Forest ā a result that left Leeds teetering above the relegation zone.
The German coach has made no secret of his desire for more firepower. Having missed out on a late deal for Harry Wilson before the summer window closed, Farke now finds himself relying heavily on a small core of forwards ā and the lack of depth has proven costly.
š Leedsā Scouting Mission Intensifies
That setback has accelerated Leedsā recruitment drive ahead of the January transfer window. Sources close to the club have confirmed that scouts have been dispatched across Europe and South America to track emerging attacking options capable of fitting Farkeās system.
One player firmly on the clubās radar is Franculino DjĆŗ of FC Midtjylland, who has impressed in Denmark with his blend of pace and power. However, as Leeds United News can reveal, there is now genuine interest in Jhon Jhon, a name that has quickly gained traction among Leedsā scouting and analytics departments.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey, speaking exclusively to Leeds United News, confirmed that conversations about the Bragantino star have taken place at Elland Road ā and that his potential fit has generated serious intrigue.
āHeās a fascinating player. Very interesting. A bit of an attacking midfielder, can play as a forward,ā Bailey explained.
āHis name has come up in conversations with Red Bull, and heās within the Red Bull name. Heās a good age, good player. Ticks a lot of boxes. Leeds arenāt the only ones looking. Heās come up in conversations, and one Iād not heard before until recently.ā
š§¬ The Red Bull Connection
The mention of Red Bull is no coincidence. Leeds Unitedās existing investment ties with the Red Bull network could prove pivotal if the club decide to push ahead with a formal move. That link not only provides smoother communication channels between the two sides but also ensures Leeds are kept up to date on standout performers within the Red Bull global system ā a network known for producing top-tier attacking talent such as Erling Haaland, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Christopher Nkunku.
The recruitment team at Elland Road have reportedly been impressed not just by Jhon Jhonās output but by his footballing intelligence, versatility, and mentality ā key attributes that align perfectly with the clubās long-term strategy of identifying technically gifted, high-upside players before they explode onto the European scene.
š§š· Jhon Jhonās Breakout Season in Brazil
While still a relatively unknown figure in Europe, Jhon Jhon has become a revelation in Brazil this season. His performances for Red Bull Bragantino have been nothing short of outstanding, turning heads across the continent.
According to FBRef, the 23-year-old has made 29 appearances in the Brazilian Serie A so far, scoring eight goals and delivering five assists. Even more impressively, he has registered a remarkable 145 shot-creating actions and 12 goal-creating actions ā numbers that place him among the most productive attacking midfielders in Brazil this year.
Those statistics illustrate a player who is constantly involved in build-up play, capable of unlocking defences with clever passes and quick interchanges, while also providing a goal threat himself.
A natural attacking midfielder by trade, Jhon Jhon has proven comfortable drifting into wider areas or operating as a second striker. His low centre of gravity, composure under pressure, and quick acceleration allow him to weave through defenders and create opportunities out of nothing ā a trait that Leeds have sorely lacked in the Premier League this season.
ā½ āHe Ticks a Lot of Boxesā
Farke has often spoken about his desire to see more dynamism and unpredictability in Leedsā final third. While players like Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph have shown flashes of brilliance, the teamās overall creativity has stagnated. Leeds rank among the bottom third in the league for chance conversion, highlighting an urgent need for attacking reinforcements.
In that context, Jhon Jhonās profile makes perfect sense. Young, versatile, and technically gifted, he represents the type of forward who can bring energy, flair, and incision to an otherwise rigid attack.
The fact that multiple European clubs are reportedly monitoring his progress suggests that Leeds may face competition if they decide to make a move in January ā but the clubās Red Bull link could give them a vital advantage.
š® What Happens Next
For now, no formal bid has been tabled, and Leeds are still weighing up their priorities ahead of what promises to be a crucial winter window. However, the message from within the club is clear ā reinforcements are a must, and Jhon Jhon is firmly in the conversation.
If Leeds are to turn their season around and ease the mounting pressure on Daniel Farke, they will need to find players capable of making an instant impact. The recruitment team sees Jhon Jhon as a potential catalyst ā a player with the confidence and flair to change games in a league where fine margins make all the difference.
The January transfer window may still be weeks away, but the groundwork is being laid. Leeds United are monitoring the situation closely, and with talks ongoing between their scouts and Red Bull representatives, the possibility of seeing Jhon Jhon in white before the end of the winter window is no longer far-fetched.
One thing is certain: as Farke battles to keep his job and Leeds fight to rediscover their spark, the hunt for fresh attacking firepower has begun ā and the name Jhon Jhon is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about within the walls of Elland Road.