⚪ Leeds United Target Florentino Luís: A Transformational Signing in the Making
As Leeds United’s summer transfer window progresses under the stewardship of Daniel Farke and the full ownership of 49ers Enterprises, one message is becoming increasingly clear: the club is planning not just for promotion back to the Premier League—but to build a squad that can stay there.
The club has already secured seven signings, carefully addressing gaps across the pitch with a focus on Premier League readiness and squad balance. However, recent reports suggest that Leeds could be targeting a level of player that would not only dominate the Championship but hold his own in the upper reaches of the Premier League.
That player is Florentino Luís, a defensive midfielder from SL Benfica, who has long been regarded as one of Europe’s most promising holding midfielders. Leeds’ interest in Luís dates back to 2020, when Victor Orta—then Director of Football—highlighted him as a future star. Fast forward to 2025, and with Ilia Gruev’s future uncertain, Luís has emerged as a primary midfield target.
🧭 The Broader Strategy: Promotion Is Just the First Step
Before diving into the specifics of Florentino Luís, it’s important to understand Leeds’ overarching strategy.
Since the 49ers Enterprises took full control of Leeds, the ownership has emphasized three pillars:
- Immediate return to the Premier League
- Financial sustainability
- Squad construction that allows for longevity in the top flight
To that end, Daniel Farke has been backed in the market this summer, with smart signings like Joe Rodon (permanent), Connor Roberts, Alex Cairns, and Anton Stach. The addition of Stach, a Bundesliga regular, already represents an upgrade in midfield. But the potential signing of Florentino Luís would be a monumental leap.
Bringing in a player like Luís—who has featured in Champions League football and drawn interest from the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, and AC Milan—would mark a real shift in Leeds’ recruitment ambitions. It would signal a club not just preparing to go up, but planning to compete upon arrival.
🇵🇹 Who Is Florentino Luís?
Florentino Luís, born in Lisbon in 1999, came through the ranks at Benfica, a club renowned for producing elite football talent. Over the years, Luís has developed into one of Europe’s most respected defensive midfielders, particularly admired for his tactical intelligence and composure on the ball.
He has represented Portugal at every youth level, and although he hasn’t made his senior debut yet, he’s often viewed as a future full international. His skill set is not dissimilar to players like Rodri (Manchester City) or Manuel Locatelli (Juventus).
Key Attributes:
Exceptional positional awareness
High defensive work rate
Elite tackling and interception stats
Calm, progressive passer
Physically robust and aerially strong
Excellent in transitions
In a team like Leeds, which often plays a high-energy, transitional game, a player like Luís can act as the anchor—regulating tempo, breaking up opposition attacks, and launching counters from deep.
🔍 Previous Interest and Growing Reputation
This isn’t the first time Luís has appeared on Leeds’ radar. Victor Orta was interested in bringing him to Elland Road in 2020, but at the time, the player was emerging as a first-team regular at Benfica and was considered out of reach.
He has since played over 100 games for Benfica, featured in European competition, and attracted consistent interest from clubs across Europe. Jamie Carragher even singled him out in 2023 during Liverpool’s midfield overhaul:
“He reads the game so well for someone of his age. His positioning, tackling, and ball retention are all top-notch. He’s definitely one for the future.”
Now 25, Luís is no longer just “one for the future”—he’s entering his prime years. If Leeds can secure his services now, they’re getting a player who could dominate English football for the next 5-7 seasons.
💷 The Financial Picture: What Would It Take?
One sticking point is the release clause—set at a whopping £107 million. However, as is typical with many Portuguese contracts, that figure is largely symbolic and designed to ward off suitors unless Benfica are open to negotiations.
Recent reports indicate that Benfica are willing to consider offers for Luís this summer. While Leeds are unlikely to pay anything near the release clause, a fee in the region of £20–30 million is possible—especially with performance-based incentives and add-ons.
Such a deal would likely break Leeds’ transfer record, but with the financial backing of the 49ers and potential outgoing sales like Ilia Gruev, there is a realistic path to completing this move.
Also worth considering is that Leeds have cut a large chunk of their wage bill over the past year and could offer Luís a competitive salary and the opportunity to be a key figure in their Premier League project.
⚽ Squad Dynamics: What Happens to Gruev and Others?
One immediate impact of Luís’ arrival would be felt by Ilia Gruev, who is already facing uncertainty at Elland Road. Although a capable midfielder, Gruev has found minutes hard to come by, and the addition of Anton Stach has only increased competition.
If Luís were to join, Gruev’s chances of regular first-team action would drop significantly. A departure—whether permanent or on loan—seems increasingly likely.
Other midfielders like Glen Kamara, Archie Gray, and Ethan Ampadu would also be impacted. However, Luís’ role would be more defensive and complementary rather than overlapping. He would be expected to sit deep, win possession, and allow others to push forward.
🧩 Tactical Fit: A New Engine Room for Farke
Daniel Farke typically employs a double pivot in midfield or a 4-3-3, both of which require a deep-lying midfielder capable of shielding the defence and starting attacks.
In both systems, Luís would:
Sit at the base of midfield to intercept and break up play
Drop between the centre-backs to help in build-up
Allow box-to-box players like Stach or Gray to push forward
Provide protection for full-backs and attacking midfielders
He’s the kind of player you build a system around. His ability to control the pace of a match is something Leeds have lacked since Kalvin Phillips’ departure.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison: Luis vs Leeds’ Current Midfielders
Attribute Florentino Luís Ilia Gruev Glen Kamara Anton Stach Archie Gray
Age 25 24 28 25 18
Tackling Elite Good Very Good Very Good Developing
Passing Range Excellent Good Moderate Good Good
Aerial Ability Strong Average Average Good Average
European Experience High Low Moderate Moderate Low
Leadership Potential High Moderate Moderate Moderate High
🏁 Final Verdict: A Deal That Redefines Leeds’ Future
If Leeds United can pull off the signing of Florentino Luís, it would be a transformational moment in the club’s recent history. It’s not just about improving a single position—it’s about raising the level of the entire squad and signaling to the footballing world that Leeds are serious about staying in the Premier League once they return.
It’s a bold target. It may take significant financial maneuvering. But it’s exactly the kind of ambition that fans want to see—and a move that aligns perfectly with the 49ers’ vision of building a modern, sustainable, top-flight club.