⚪ Leeds United Summer Transfer Report: Farke’s Premier League Blueprint Takes Shape
As Leeds United prepare for their return to the Premier League, the club’s summer transfer activity has shifted into high gear. Manager Daniel Farke, backed by a proactive recruitment team and ambitious ownership, is leading a methodical squad rebuild aimed at not only surviving in the top flight—but thriving.
The early signs suggest a club that has learned from past mistakes. Rather than splashing on high-profile signings without a clear tactical plan, Leeds are investing smartly in players who fit Farke’s system and who can grow with the club.
Let’s dive deep into all the major moves—completed, pending, and rumored—and assess how they fit into Leeds United’s evolving identity under Farke.
🔁 Incomings: Midfield Engine Recharged
One of the most striking features of Leeds’ early business is their focus on the midfield, a long-standing weakness in recent years. Too often in previous Premier League campaigns, Leeds lacked control and cohesion in the center of the park. That’s changing.
🇬🇧 Sean Longstaff – from Newcastle United
A well-rounded central midfielder with proven Premier League pedigree, Longstaff brings much-needed composure and energy. His work rate, passing accuracy, and positional intelligence make him a smart acquisition. Longstaff can break up play, recycle possession, and cover large areas of the pitch—exactly the traits Farke looks for in his double pivot.
🇩🇪 Anton Stach – from Hoffenheim
A more dynamic and tactically versatile option, Stach offers a bit of everything: he’s capable of anchoring the midfield, driving forward with the ball, and even contributing to set pieces. His Bundesliga experience will be invaluable in high-tempo matches, and he could form an excellent partnership with Longstaff.
Combined Fee: Over £30 million — significant investment, but targeted and justifiable.
These signings represent a shift in Leeds’ profile: from chaotic, high-pressing chaos under Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, toward controlled possession and structured pressing under Farke. Expect more ball retention, build-up play from the back, and midfielders who dictate the tempo.
🎯 Next Target: Attack Reinforcements
With midfield now shored up, the attention has turned to adding goals, width, and creativity in the final third. Two names stand out as major targets:
🇧🇷 Igor Paixao – Feyenoord (Winger)
A standout in the Eredivisie, Paixao contributed 26 goals and assists in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign. His ability to cut inside, take on defenders, and contribute both goals and assists makes him a natural replacement for Manor Solomon, who returned to Tottenham Hotspur after his loan spell.
What makes Paixao particularly valuable is his intelligence off the ball. He’s not just a flashy dribbler; he knows how to stretch a defense, when to make inverted runs, and how to create space for overlapping full-backs.
Reports suggest Leeds have made a formal offer in the region of £30 million. Should a deal be agreed, Paixao would be expected to start immediately on the right wing.
🇧🇷 Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham (Striker)
Leeds’ interest in Rodrigo Muniz is no surprise. The 23-year-old Brazilian had a breakout season in the Premier League with Fulham, combining physicality and finishing prowess. Farke wants a reliable No.9 who can hold up the ball, occupy defenders, and convert chances. Muniz fits the bill.
Leeds have lacked a consistent striker since Patrick Bamford’s decline due to injuries and poor form. Muniz would provide a focal point and relieve the creative burden on wide players like Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto.
Negotiations are ongoing, but all indications are that Muniz is Farke’s top target up front.
🔃 Outgoings: Shifting the Squad Balance
No squad overhaul is complete without departures, and Leeds are beginning to trim the squad to make room for new arrivals.
🧳 Mateo Joseph – Requested Transfer
Once viewed as a future star, Mateo Joseph has now formally requested to leave the club. The 21-year-old forward, who showed glimpses of promise in cup competitions and U21 matches, appears frustrated by the lack of first-team opportunities.
With Farke focusing on experienced, physically ready strikers, Joseph may feel the writing is on the wall. Several clubs in England and abroad are monitoring his situation, and a permanent exit now looks likely.
🧳 Patrick Bamford – Told He Can Leave
After playing a central role in Leeds’ last promotion, Patrick Bamford has been informed he is free to leave this summer. Injuries, inconsistency, and loss of confidence have plagued his recent years. The arrival of Muniz—or any new striker—would push him even further down the pecking order.
Clubs in the Championship and possibly abroad may be interested in a deal, though wages and injury concerns may complicate negotiations.
✋ Largie Ramazani: Staying and Fighting
One of the most interesting developments is the stance taken by Largie Ramazani. The 24-year-old Belgian winger arrived from Almeria last summer and endured a mixed debut season, starting only 7 games in the Championship but still managing to score 6 goals and register 2 assists in limited minutes.
According to The Athletic, Ramazani received interest from several European clubs, including Aris Thessaloniki, who wanted to take him on loan with an option to buy. Ramazani rejected all approaches.
Why? Because he wants to fight for his place in the Premier League. And with Solomon gone and Paixao yet to arrive, he might just get his chance.
His statement on the competition says it all:
“I think it’s great to have some competition in the team, and then we just push every single player. Whether it’s a winger, striker – no matter what position you just play, we’ll just push each other. I have to prove myself and see where it goes.”
This is exactly the kind of mentality Daniel Farke prizes. And in a league as demanding as the Premier League, depth and positive dressing room energy can be just as important as top-tier talent.
🧠 Tactical Implications: How Farke Might Line Up
Farke typically prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation. With his new midfield acquisitions and potential attacking signings, here’s how Leeds could line up in the Premier League:
⭐ If All Targets Are Signed:
GK: Illan Meslier
RB: Archie Gray
CB: Joe Rodon
CB: Pascal Struijk
LB: Junior Firpo
CM: Anton Stach
CM: Sean Longstaff
RW: Igor Paixao
CAM: Crysencio Summerville
LW: Wilfried Gnonto
ST: Rodrigo Muniz
Bench Options:
Ramazani, Rutter, Amiri, Kamara, Shackleton, Cooper, Byram, Dallas (if fit), Klaesson
This would give Leeds a team full of technical quality, energy, and tactical balance—exactly what’s required to compete in a highly competitive Premier League landscape.
🗓️ Pre-Season Plans
Leeds United’s pre-season schedule continues to build momentum:
Saturday (July 27): Behind-closed-doors friendly in Germany – key for assessing squad fitness and giving minutes to fringe players.
Friday (August 2): High-profile friendly vs Villarreal at Elland Road – likely the dress rehearsal for the Premier League opener.
These matches will allow Farke to test combinations and integrate new signings like Longstaff and Stach before the season kicks off.
🧩 Final Thoughts: A Club Rebuilding With Purpose
Leeds United are showing clear signs of maturity and ambition this summer. Their recruitment strategy is focused, data-driven, and system-specific. Gone are the days of panic buys and scattergun tactics.
Daniel Farke now has the tools to build a side capable of consolidating in the Premier League, with players like Paixao and Muniz potentially pushing Leeds into mid-table contention. At the same time, squad players like Largie Ramazani are stepping up and showing hunger—a crucial ingredient for success.
The transfer window still has plenty of twists to come, but Leeds are ahead of the curve—and with the right additions, this could be a very exciting season at Elland Road.