Leeds United’s Transfer Strategy: An In-Depth Mid-July Analysis
As Leeds United continues to navigate through a pivotal summer transfer window, the club is working tirelessly to reshape the squad with an eye on both immediate success and long-term sustainability. With significant improvements already made in some areas of the squad, it’s clear that the club is focused on building a more balanced and competitive team for the upcoming Premier League season. Under manager Adam Underwood, Leeds is taking a measured and cautious approach, seeking to strike the perfect balance between strengthening their squad and managing their finances wisely. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of their summer transfer activity, strategic direction, and the challenges they face moving forward.
Defensive Reinforcements: £30 Million Invested in Key Areas
Leeds United has already made substantial investments to bolster the defense, a major priority after last season’s struggles. With £30 million spent on defensive reinforcements, it’s clear that the club has recognized the need to solidify a leaky backline and ensure a more solid foundation going into the new campaign.
- Jaka Bijol:
The first signing in Leeds’ defensive overhaul is Jaka Bijol, a central defender who has joined from Udinese. Bijol is known for his aerial dominance and ability to read the game, which should help Leeds defend better, especially on set pieces and high balls into the box. His experience in Serie A will be crucial as he brings a level of maturity and tactical awareness to the defense that was sorely lacking last season. - Sebastiaan Bornauw:
Next up is Sebastiaan Bornauw, a central defender who joins from VfL Wolfsburg. Bornauw is a physical presence in the heart of the defense, known for his strong tackling, aerial duels, and overall aggressiveness in one-on-one situations. His speed and ability to cover ground quickly will make him a valuable asset in Leeds’ high-pressing system, where pace and organization are key. - Gabriel Gudmundsson:
Gabriel Gudmundsson, a versatile defender, adds more depth to Leeds’ backline. He has the ability to play as both a left-back and left-wing-back, offering more flexibility to the squad. Gudmundsson’s attacking contributions will also be valuable, as his pace and crossing ability allow him to join the attack while still maintaining defensive responsibilities.
These three signings represent a significant step toward improving Leeds’ defensive unit, which was exposed on several occasions last season. With more physicality, leadership, and depth in defense, Leeds are hoping that these signings will make them more resilient and difficult to break down, especially against top-tier Premier League sides.
Alongside defensive reinforcements, Leeds have also addressed their attacking needs, with the addition of Lukas Nmecha. The forward from VfL Wolfsburg brings pace, flair, and a sharp eye for goal, which will add much-needed firepower to Leeds’ attack. Nmecha’s ability to stretch defenses and his versatility in the final third should give Underwood more attacking options and tactical flexibility moving forward.
Midfield Conundrum: Inexperience and the Search for a Playmaker
While Leeds United has made significant strides in defense, the midfield remains an area of concern. With only three midfield options having combined 26 Premier League appearances, the club’s midfield lacks both depth and experience. Ethan Ampadu, who joined from Chelsea, is the most experienced player in this area, but his partners in the middle of the park are relatively unproven at the highest level. This lack of depth has raised concerns about Leeds’ ability to compete against teams with stronger and more seasoned midfielders.
Ampadu is undoubtedly a talented player with versatility and defensive qualities, but Leeds need more than just a ball-winner in midfield. The club needs someone capable of pulling the strings in the center of the park — a creative No.10 who can unlock defenses and provide the link between midfield and attack. The No.10 role has been an ongoing problem for Leeds, especially following Brenden Aaronson’s inconsistent performances last season. Aaronson, who was expected to make a significant impact in the playmaker role, has shown flashes of quality but has struggled with consistency, leading to speculation that Leeds might seek a replacement for him.
No.10 Priority: The Search for Creativity
Underwood’s main focus as the transfer window progresses is on securing a creative No.10 to replace or complement Aaronson. This position has been a problem area for Leeds for some time, and the lack of a consistent playmaker has left the team lacking the necessary creativity to break down deep-lying defenses. Let’s explore the key candidates Leeds have been linked with in the No.10 position:
Emi Buendía: The Premier League Experience
Emi Buendía of Aston Villa is one of the most highly regarded potential signings for Leeds. Buendía is a technically gifted and creative attacking midfielder with a wealth of Premier League experience. He had a standout season with Norwich City before moving to Villa, where he has continued to demonstrate his ability to pick out key passes, create chances, and contribute to his team’s attack. Buendía’s vision and dribbling ability make him a natural fit for Leeds’ high-intensity style of play, where creativity in transition is crucial.
The loan deal option for Buendía is reportedly being considered by Leeds, as it would be a more affordable way of bringing in a top-level player. However, Villa might be reluctant to let him go, especially if they view him as an important part of their squad going forward. Leeds could face stiff competition from other Premier League clubs as well, which could drive up the price or complicate the negotiations.
Despite these potential hurdles, Buendía would add a new dimension to Leeds’ midfield and provide the creativity they have been missing. His ability to link up play and produce moments of magic could be just what the team needs to elevate their attacking play.
Gustavo Hamer: The Championship Standout
Another intriguing option for Leeds is Gustavo Hamer, who has impressed at Sheffield United. The Brazilian midfielder has been a standout player in the Championship and is known for his excellent passing range, ability to dictate play, and work rate. Hamer is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who can contribute defensively while also offering creativity in the final third. He’s shown that he can handle the physicality of English football, and his performances last season suggest he could be ready for a step up to the Premier League.
However, Sheffield United are unlikely to part with Hamer cheaply, and Leeds may find themselves priced out of a deal. While Hamer would undoubtedly improve the midfield, the financial side of the deal could be a sticking point for Leeds. Given their financial constraints, Leeds may be unwilling to meet Sheffield United’s asking price for a player who is unproven at the highest level.
Neil El Aynaoui: The Expensive Ligue 1 Talent
A more ambitious target for Leeds is Neil El Aynaoui from RC Lens. El Aynaoui had an exceptional season in Ligue 1, scoring 8 goals and providing several assists in 24 appearances. The French-born Moroccan is a creative force in the attacking midfield role, capable of not only setting up goals but also contributing in front of goal himself. His skill set makes him an ideal candidate for Leeds’ No.10 role.
However, the major hurdle in signing El Aynaoui is the £27 million price tag, which is a substantial amount for a player who is still relatively young and unproven in one of Europe’s top five leagues. While the player’s potential is clear, Leeds may be reluctant to meet Lens’ asking price given their financial strategy and current squad needs. Additionally, Roma is also reportedly interested in El Aynaoui, which could create competition for his signature, further driving up the price.
The asking price for El Aynaoui presents a dilemma for Leeds, who are focused on securing value for money rather than making expensive signings. Unless Lens drops their demands or Leeds can negotiate a more favorable deal, it’s unclear whether they will pursue this deal aggressively.
Sean Longstaff: A Key Midfield Target
Sean Longstaff of Newcastle United has been a target for Leeds for several weeks now. The midfielder is someone who fits the profile of what Leeds need: a solid, workmanlike midfielder with Premier League experience. Longstaff is not known for his flair but is highly regarded for his box-to-box energy, ability to break up play, and strong defensive contributions. His arrival would provide much-needed depth and experience to Leeds’ midfield.
Leeds have made multiple bids for Longstaff, but Newcastle has so far rejected them. The Magpies are unlikely to let Longstaff go unless their valuation is met. Leeds are reportedly preparing to make a fourth bid, but it remains to be seen if the deal will materialize. Longstaff would bring much-needed stability to the midfield, and his experience could be invaluable as Leeds aim to compete in the Premier League.
Leeds’ Transfer Philosophy: Cautious Spending with Long-Term Sustainability
Under Adam Underwood, Leeds United’s approach to the transfer window has been cautious and calculated. Unlike some Premier League clubs that pursue big-money signings, Leeds are looking for value for money and are focusing on building a sustainable squad that can compete in the long run. This approach is evident in their reluctance to overspend on players, as seen with their bids for players like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, both of whom moved to Sunderland after Leeds’ offers were rejected.
Leeds’ reluctance to overpay has also led them to explore loan deals, such as with Emi Buendía, and to target players with high potential but more manageable price tags. Underwood’s strategy is clear: strengthen the squad where necessary but do so in a way that does not jeopardize the club’s long-term financial health.
Brenden Aaronson’s Role: A Fight for His Future at Leeds
The future of Brenden Aaronson at Leeds remains uncertain. Despite his status as one of the marquee signings last season, the American international has failed to find consistent form in the Premier League. Aaronson’s potential has never been in doubt, but he has struggled to impose himself as the creative force Leeds hoped he would become.
With Leeds actively pursuing a new No.10, Aaronson’s role in the squad could be under threat. However, with the club focusing on improving their midfield, Aaronson may still have a chance to prove himself as the solution in the No.10 role. Whether he can find the consistency required to keep his place in the team remains to be seen.
Conclusion: Leeds United’s Cautious but Ambitious Summer
As Leeds United enters the middle of July, the club is making progress in its efforts to strengthen the squad. Defensive reinforcements have been made, and there is now a clear focus on bolstering the midfield with a creative No.10. The challenge for Underwood and Leeds United will be to balance their financial limitations with the need to sign quality players who can make an immediate impact.
With several key positions still to be addressed, Leeds’ transfer window is far from over. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the final makeup of the squad as Leeds aim for a competitive finish in the Premier League.