Leeds United’s summer transfer window is fast becoming one of the most talked-about in recent years, and Adam Underwood, in his first window as the club’s sporting director, is already making a strong impression. The club’s latest acquisition, Wolfsburg’s Sebastiaan Bornauw, represents not only a key defensive addition but also a significant step in the vision that Underwood is shaping for the future of the club. Bornauw is reportedly undergoing his medical at Thorp Arch ahead of a £5m move to Elland Road, and his arrival marks the third signing of the summer, following the signings of Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg and Jaka Bijol, who arrived for £15m. These three acquisitions underscore a strategic and well-thought-out approach to rebuilding the Leeds squad, and they show Underwood’s commitment to strengthening areas of weakness while being selective in the players he brings in.
The trio of Bornauw, Nmecha, and Bijol will undoubtedly bring a mixture of physicality, experience, and international pedigree to Leeds, and it’s clear that Underwood’s first transfer window is being conducted with careful precision. The 26-year-old Bornauw, who has been a mainstay at Wolfsburg with 140 Bundesliga appearances under his belt, has the experience and defensive prowess that Leeds need at the back. Likewise, Nmecha, a young German forward with high potential, adds versatility to the attack, while the highly sought-after Jaka Bijol provides a dominant presence in both defense and midfield. In total, Leeds have spent £20m on these three players—an amount that may seem modest compared to the lavish spending seen by other Premier League clubs, but which represents smart, targeted recruitment in key areas of need for Leeds.
This summer is pivotal for Leeds United. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, the club finds itself at a critical juncture. The gulf between the Premier League and the Championship continues to grow, and maintaining top-flight status has become more crucial than ever. Underwood, who was promoted from within to take on the role of sporting director, is well aware of the enormity of this task. This is his first window in charge, and while the pressure is high, he’s shown a clear ability to approach the job with patience and strategic thinking. Underwood, alongside head coach Daniel Farke and head of recruitment Robbie Evans, has quickly shown that he understands the needs of the squad and has been proactive in addressing them.
One of the most notable features of Underwood’s approach is his careful attention to the physical makeup of the squad. Leeds have long been criticized for being too lightweight in certain areas of the pitch, and one of Underwood’s most immediate goals has been to address this by bringing in players who add strength, height, and physical presence. Bornauw, at 6ft 3in, and Bijol, who shares the same height, represent key upgrades to Leeds’ defense, which has been suspect in recent years. Their aerial dominance will provide immediate improvements in both attacking and defending set-pieces—an area that Leeds have struggled with for some time.
Set-pieces are often the difference in closely contested Premier League matches, and Leeds have been underperforming in this regard for far too long. Historically, they’ve been a team that struggled to capitalize on corners and free-kicks, while also being vulnerable when defending them. This summer, Underwood seems determined to change that. With two towering centre-backs in Bornauw and Bijol now on board, Leeds are likely to become a much more dangerous side from set-pieces. They’ll have the height to threaten opposition defences, but more importantly, they’ll also be much more capable of nullifying the threat posed by opposing teams in these situations.
However, it’s not just about height and physicality. Underwood has been meticulous in his recruitment of players who not only address these issues but also bring a wealth of experience and a level of international pedigree. The trio of signings—Bornauw, Bijol, and Nmecha—are all capped for their respective national teams, and this experience of playing at the highest levels in European football will prove invaluable. Bornauw, for example, has been a regular in the Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top leagues, while Nmecha has been a fixture in Germany’s youth national teams and has the potential to become a key player for both club and country in the years to come. Bijol’s experience in Serie A, where he was widely regarded as one of the best performers in aerial duels last season, adds further depth to Leeds’ options.
Underwood’s focus on players who are 26 years old is also indicative of his approach. The age of 26 is often considered to be the prime years for footballers—when they have the maturity and experience needed to handle the demands of top-flight football, but still have room for growth. These players are not yet in their twilight years but have enough experience to step into a Premier League team and make an immediate impact. Leeds’ new signings fit this mold perfectly. They are players who have already proven themselves at a high level but still have their best years ahead of them, making them great value for money and well-positioned to offer long-term contributions to the club.
Another crucial aspect of Underwood’s recruitment strategy is his emphasis on filling the right gaps in the squad without rushing into signings. The left-back position has been identified as a potential weakness in the squad, and reports suggest that Leeds are already targeting Gabriel Gudmundsson, a 26-year-old Sweden international, to address this gap. Gudmundsson is another experienced player in his prime years, and his arrival would further bolster the team. Leeds’ defense would then be solidified with strong, physically imposing players across the backline, which would allow them to build a more balanced and cohesive team moving forward.
In addition to addressing the defense, Underwood has also been proactive in strengthening the attack. Nmecha’s arrival is especially intriguing. The young forward has been compared to Georginio Rutter, who was one of Leeds’ more promising signings last season. Nmecha’s ability to link up play, his speed, and his clinical finishing will add another dimension to Leeds’ forward line. While the club has some talented attacking players, Nmecha’s addition provides Farke with another option, someone who can add dynamism and creativity in the final third.
What makes Underwood’s work in this window especially impressive is that he has done all this with a clear understanding of Leeds’ needs, both immediate and long-term. Leeds’ struggles last season weren’t just down to one area of the pitch, but rather a combination of factors. The team lacked physicality in key positions, struggled with set-pieces, and needed more depth in their attacking options. Underwood’s signings seem to address each of these problems head-on, and his selective approach suggests that he is building a team with a clear, unified vision for the future.
Moreover, Underwood’s ability to execute these deals so quickly and efficiently is a testament to his organizational skills and his experience working within the club. Despite the pressure that comes with taking over the sporting director role at such a crucial moment for the club, Underwood has kept his focus on making smart, long-term decisions, rather than rushing into panic buys or unwise signings.
With the window still open, Leeds fans can remain optimistic about the direction in which the club is heading. While it’s true that survival in the Premier League is the immediate priority, Underwood’s careful planning, alongside Farke’s coaching expertise, could lay the foundations for a more competitive and successful future for Leeds. His careful and targeted signings, which have already strengthened both the defensive and attacking sides of the team, give fans reason to believe that the club could avoid another relegation battle and perhaps even challenge for mid-table security in the upcoming season.
As the transfer window progresses, Leeds United fans have plenty of reason to feel hopeful. With Underwood in charge of recruitment, the club appears to be in capable hands, and the strategic moves made so far point toward a promising season ahead. If he continues to target players who address key weaknesses while strengthening the overall quality of the squad, Leeds could be in a much stronger position by the time the season kicks off. Whether it’s through improved set-piece ability, a more dominant defense, or a more dynamic attack, the signs point toward a better, more competitive Leeds United. The future is bright under Underwood’s leadership.