The January transfer window is in full swing with hardly-believable transfers already having been sealed by bottom half Premier League clubs.
Kieran Trippier has joined marooned-in-the-relegation-zone Newcastle United on a two-and-a-half year deal for a reported £12 million plus add-ons, while former Liverpool attacker Philippe Coutinho has signed for Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa on loan with an option-to-buy.
Ordinarily, a LaLiga-winning, England international still very much at the peak of his powers would not be joining a side in the bottom three mid-season, but a culmination of financial incentives and the lure of playing in England once again has swung the pendulum in Newcastle's favour.
Villa's acquisition of Coutinho is perhaps even more surprising, despite the Brazilian's lack of regular match action since sealing a £142 million move to Barcelona in 2018.
He joins up with former teammate Steven Gerrard.
Villa are 13th, three points above Leeds, while Newcastle sit one place from the bottom of the table.
Externally, it sends a signal to other Premier League sides, still some way off the European places - like Leeds United.
Clubs in the top flight of English football do have considerable pulling power. That was evident through the acquisition of Spanish international duo Diego Llorente and Rodrigo Moreno immediately following promotion, along with up-and-coming German international Robin Koch.
Leeds can attract, but more importantly retain, reputable players - and there are two supporters are desperate to see sign improved terms.
Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are international footballers in their own right, and will continue to be for the best part of the next decade.
Reports earlier this month that Leeds United are in talks to sign both players to new contracts were met with cautious optimism.
While it is highly likely that agreeing new deals at Elland Road would see release clauses inserted into the paperwork, it protects Leeds' financial future at the very least.
The Trippier and Coutinho signings also demonstrate that teams in the bottom half can boast blue-chip players that outsiders can scarcely believe represent them.
Factor in that Leeds are also a well-supported club with a rich history in English football, and the proposition of representing the club becomes all the more alluring.
Holding onto Raphinha and Phillips would be a coup in itself for Leeds and certainly achievable if recent market trends are anything to go by.
