Leeds United’s Ambitious Summer Overhaul: Four In, More to Come, and the Pursuit of a New Stuart Dallas in El Hadji Malick Diouf
With promotion agonisingly out of reach last season, Leeds United find themselves entering the 2025/26 campaign with one overriding goal: to get back to the Premier League — and stay there. But while ambition is not new to Elland Road, this summer, something feels different.
There’s a plan, a pace, and a purpose to Leeds United’s work in the transfer window that suggests the club is not just trying to bounce back, but to build a stronger, smarter, and more resilient team than ever before. With four signings either completed or imminent, and several more targets being tracked closely — including Senegalese sensation El Hadji Malick Diouf — Leeds are undertaking a major strategic rebuild.
This is not about short-term fixes. This is about laying the foundations for long-term success, inspired by the lessons of recent failures and the ambition of a club with Premier League infrastructure and a global fanbase hungry for more.
The State of the Squad: Four Signings In, But Much More to Do
Leeds have moved quickly in the window, perhaps learning from the hesitation of past seasons. In fact, by early July, they are already welcoming their fourth summer signing, with Swedish left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson expected to join imminently from Lille. He follows the arrivals of Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw.
Together, these players begin to address long-standing weaknesses — particularly in defence and in the lack of physicality across the pitch. But even with these reinforcements, Daniel Farke’s squad remains incomplete. Leeds know it. The fans know it. The next 4–6 weeks will define whether this rebuild succeeds or falls short.
- Lukas Nmecha: Mobile Forward With Untapped Potential
The former Manchester City youth product has had a mixed career to date, but Nmecha’s move to Elland Road could reignite the promise that once saw him play in the Champions League for Wolfsburg and for Germany’s U21s. He brings pace, power, and movement, and can operate as a striker or wide forward.
But crucially, he is not yet seen as a guaranteed starter. He’s part of the solution — not the solution. Leeds are still actively pursuing a leading striker to carry the goal-scoring burden.
- Jaka Bijol: Slovenian Commander at the Back
Signed from Udinese, Bijol arrives as a natural leader. Strong in the air, composed on the ball, and tactically disciplined, he’s expected to be a rock at the heart of Leeds’ defence. Bijol’s intelligence makes him well-suited to Farke’s system, where defenders are required to hold a high line and distribute from the back.
- Sebastiaan Bornauw: Adding Bundesliga Steel
Bornauw joins from Wolfsburg and brings with him a level of top-flight experience that Leeds lacked last season. The Belgian is known for his robust defending and leadership qualities. His partnership with Bijol could become a cornerstone of Leeds’ promotion push — a back line with balance, aggression, and know-how.
- Gabriel Gudmundsson: Firpo’s Replacement, and Much More
While not yet officially confirmed, Gudmundsson’s arrival is close. The Swedish international is set to replace Junior Firpo at left-back, bringing more consistency and fewer fitness concerns. A modern full-back, Gudmundsson offers overlapping runs, a solid defensive base, and flexibility to operate in both a back four and as a wing-back.
At £8.6 million, Gudmundsson represents a good-value deal in the current market, and he’s seen as a long-term solution in a position that’s plagued Leeds for multiple seasons.
What Still Needs Addressing: Leeds’ Remaining Transfer Priorities
Even with four new faces at Thorp Arch, Leeds have at least five more positions they must address to create a squad capable of winning automatic promotion and surviving in the Premier League.
- A New Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier’s future remains uncertain, and even if he stays, Leeds lack a dependable alternative. Last season exposed the thin depth in this position. Whether it’s a commanding No. 1 or an experienced backup, a goalkeeper is urgently needed. Names from France and the Championship have been mentioned, but nothing concrete has emerged yet.
- A Right-Back (If Byram Leaves)
With Junior Firpo gone and Gudmundsson incoming, the left-back situation is improving. But on the right, Sam Byram is yet to commit his future. Injuries continue to hamper his availability, and Cody Drameh’s departure has left Leeds exposed. A reliable, athletic right-back is a priority.
- Central Midfielder (Box-to-Box or Holding)
Leeds need more control in midfield. They have runners and creators, but no dominant figure to break up play, shield the back four, and start attacks. Someone in the mould of Kalvin Phillips or Tyler Adams would be ideal — and much needed if Leeds want to dictate games, not chase them.
- A Creative Playmaker (Number 10)
In Bielsa’s era, Pablo Hernández was the heartbeat of the attack. Leeds have yet to replace his creativity. A player who can see passes others can’t, who can unlock deep defences, and who can deliver 10+ assists in a season — this is one of the most crucial missing pieces.
- A Proven Striker
Leeds need goals. Nmecha is a valuable addition, but not yet a 20-goal-a-season man. Patrick Bamford’s future is unclear and his injuries are a concern. Joe Gelhardt has struggled for consistency. A clinical finisher is arguably Leeds’ top priority now — someone who can convert chances and relieve pressure on the wingers.
El Hadji Malick Diouf: Leeds’ Most Exciting Target Yet
In this context, the club’s pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf feels like a potential masterstroke. The Senegal international is coming off a breakout performance in a 3-1 win over England last month, where he kept Bukayo Saka quiet in a standout display. Now, clubs across England are watching closely.
Who is Diouf?
Age: 22
Current club: Slavia Prague
Position: Primarily left-back/wing-back, but can also play CB or wide forward
Style: Physical, composed, tactically flexible
International status: Full Senegal international
What Makes Him So Special?
- Tactical Versatility
Diouf isn’t just a left-back. He can play:
Left wing-back in a 3-4-3
Left centre-back in a back three
Left or right winger in a front three
Left-back in a flat back four
That’s four elite-level positions already — and coaches believe he could also evolve into a box-to-box midfielder with his engine and intelligence.
- Physical Presence
At 6’1”, Diouf is strong in duels, both aerially and on the ground. He’s fast, physically aggressive, and reads danger well. He’s the kind of player who can dominate one-on-one duels, something Leeds lacked last season.
- International Experience Against Elite Opposition
His display against England — specifically his performance against Saka — has made him one of the most talked-about defensive prospects in Europe. He didn’t just survive the encounter; he thrived, keeping one of the Premier League’s best attackers largely ineffective.
The Financial Picture: A Competitive Race
Slavia Prague are demanding a £21.6 million package, including £17.25 million upfront. That’s a significant investment for Leeds — but also a smart one, considering his resale value and versatility.
West Ham offered a similar amount with add-ons but were rejected
Nottingham Forest are interested, but not as advanced in talks
Crystal Palace were keen, but have turned to Borna Sosa
Leeds remain in the race — and may have the clearest pathway to first-team football
The Stuart Dallas Comparison: A Role Model for Diouf?
Longtime fans will remember Stuart Dallas not just for his goals or tackles, but for his reliability across the pitch. Under Marcelo Bielsa, Dallas played six different positions with consistency and humility.
Diouf offers a similar profile — though at an earlier stage of development. Like Dallas, he is two-footed, team-oriented, and positionally flexible. But Diouf may have even higher upside, with stronger defensive instincts and greater pace.
Conclusion: Leeds United Are Building Something Real — and Diouf Could Be Central to It
The 2025/26 season could be transformative for Leeds United. The club has already made smart additions, and more are expected soon. But