⚪️ Leeds United – Summer 2025 Transfer Window: Full Analysis
Leeds United’s summer has been nothing short of eventful. Following a narrowly missed promotion campaign last season, the club has embarked on an aggressive rebuild under manager Daniel Farke, who is heading into a pivotal season with expectations sky-high. The objective is simple: return to the Premier League — but the route to get there is complex, and that’s reflected in the club’s summer activity.
As of late July, six senior signings have arrived, multiple key players are on the verge of exit, and Farke’s philosophy is beginning to take firm shape.
🟢 INCOMINGS – NEW ERA BEGINS AT ELLAND ROAD
Leeds United have brought in six new players this summer, and each transfer reflects a deliberate step toward building a balanced, competitive squad — capable of dominating in the Championship while being sustainable long-term. Here’s a closer look at the new arrivals:
- Anton Stach – £17.3m (Potentially rising to £19.9m)
From: Mainz
Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 26
Nationality: Germany (2 caps)
Leeds’ marquee signing so far. Anton Stach brings both quality and experience, with two senior international caps for Germany and over 90 Bundesliga appearances. Tall (6’4”), composed, and excellent at progressing the ball, Stach is the kind of midfield anchor Leeds lacked last season. He will likely play at the base of midfield, either in a double pivot or as a sole holding player depending on Farke’s setup.
His price tag — up to £19.9m — shows how committed the club is to backing Farke in the market. A Premier League-caliber player dropping to the Championship sends a clear message to the rest of the league.
- Sean Longstaff – £15m
From: Newcastle United
Position: Central Midfielder
Age: 27
Nationality: England
A shrewd, if slightly surprising, purchase. Longstaff had Premier League suitors but chose to drop down to reunite with Farke, reportedly convinced by the manager’s vision and desire to build a team with leadership and grit. He brings consistency, engine, and a touch of tactical intelligence — qualities Leeds sorely missed in crucial moments last season.
Expect him to rotate or partner with Stach and Ampadu, giving Leeds a deep, flexible midfield.
- Jaka Bijol – £15m
From: Udinese
Position: Centre-back
Age: 25
Nationality: Slovenia
One of the most underrated signings of the window across the Championship. Bijol is a commanding, intelligent defender who has been a rock for Udinese and Slovenia. His versatility (can play as a DM or CB) will be key for a Leeds side that struggled to find stability at the back last season.
With questions still surrounding the future of Max Wöber, Bijol could become the lynchpin of Leeds’ new-look backline.
- Gabriel Gudmundsson – £10m
From: Lille
Position: Left-back
Age: 25
Nationality: Sweden
After seasons of inconsistency at left-back (Junior Firpo’s fitness and Sam Byram’s aging legs), Gudmundsson arrives as a starter. Quick, technically sound, and attack-minded, he fits Farke’s mold for progressive fullbacks. Leeds now finally have reliable width and depth down the left, and Gudmundsson’s arrival indirectly signals an end to Isaac Schmidt’s hopes of a regular role.
- Sebastiaan Bornauw – £5m
From: Wolfsburg
Position: Centre-back / Right-back
Age: 25
Nationality: Belgium
A value-for-money addition, Bornauw adds depth and experience. With over 100 Bundesliga appearances and multiple Belgium caps, he strengthens the rotation at centre-back and can also play at right-back if needed. Leeds’ defensive frailties last season were costly — Bornauw helps fix that.
- Lukas Nmecha – Free Transfer
From: Free Agent (ex-Wolfsburg)
Position: Striker / Winger
Age: 26
Nationality: Germany (youth)
Perhaps the most interesting signing — a player who has bounced around Europe, showing flashes of brilliance but never finding consistent form. Farke worked with Nmecha in the past and sees untapped potential. Fast, strong, and a hard worker off the ball, Nmecha is a high-upside, low-risk addition.
🔴 POTENTIAL OUTGOINGS – ROOM TO BE MADE
With six players in and possibly more to come, Leeds need to offload players — not just to raise funds and balance books, but also to give Farke the streamlined, focused squad he prefers.
Here are eight names most likely to leave before the window closes:
- Patrick Bamford
Status: Frozen out
Left out of Germany tour and Man United friendly
No longer in Farke’s plans.
Genoa and Wrexham were interested in January.
Leeds can sell for any price due to PSR protections.
His wages may be a stumbling block, but this is a priority exit.
Verdict: Sale very likely. A new start is best for all involved.
- Mateo Joseph
Status: Wants to leave
Left behind, reportedly asked not to be involved
Has interest from La Liga clubs: Celta Vigo and Real Betis.
Leeds want £10m and will sell if that’s met.
Highly rated youth product, but relationship with the club appears strained.
Verdict: Likely to be sold if a Spanish club meets the asking price.
- Illan Meslier
Status: Still with the squad
Long linked with a move away.
Leeds are targeting Lucas Perri as his replacement.
Has two years left on his deal.
Potential Premier League and Ligue 1 suitors.
Verdict: May stay if no offer materializes or Perri doesn’t arrive, but a late-window move is on the cards.
- Darko Gyabi
Status: Not on tour
Loaned to Plymouth but didn’t impress consistently.
Leeds now prefer a permanent sale.
Valued at £3–4m.
Still under contract until 2026.
Verdict: Exit very likely. Championship or top League One clubs could swoop.
- Sam Greenwood
Status: Transfer-listed
Had a mixed loan spell at Preston, fell out of favor.
Sunderland and Leicester are interested.
Seen as surplus to requirements under Farke.
Also valued around £3–4m.
Verdict: Another likely departure, possibly to Sunderland.
- Joe Gelhardt
Status: On the fringe
Scored 5 goals on loan at Hull.
Still used occasionally by Farke, but no guaranteed role.
Could fetch £4m if sold.
Fans are split on whether to keep or cash in.
Verdict: Could stay if squad thins, but club is open to offers.
- Jack Harrison
Status: Booed by fans in friendly
Returned from Everton loan, started vs. Man United.
Fans unhappy with how he left previously.
Farke still rates him, but atmosphere is tense.
Verdict: If a decent offer comes, Leeds will let him go.
- Isaac Schmidt
Status: Recovering from injury
Switzerland international needs game time for 2026 World Cup push.
Leeds now have two players ahead of him at LB (Byram, Gudmundsson).
Open to offers, may seek a loan abroad.
Verdict: Could depart quietly before deadline day.
🧮 FINANCIAL CONTEXT – SELLING TO STRENGTHEN
Leeds are still navigating PSR (Profit and Sustainability Rules). While they’ve invested close to £60m this summer, they’ve largely spent on players with resale value and on long-term deals. To continue strengthening, particularly for a goalkeeper and possibly a striker, some outgoings will be financially necessary.
Sales of academy players (Bamford, Joseph, Greenwood, Gelhardt) bring pure profit under accounting rules — making those exits both logical and strategic.
🔍 WHAT’S STILL NEEDED?
- Goalkeeper
Target: Lucas Perri (Lyon)
Meslier could be sold if Perri arrives.
- Striker / Forward Depth
Targets linked:
Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham) – Strong interest; would cost £10–15m
Igor Paixao (Feyenoord) – Explosive winger, highly rated
Farke wants another natural finisher to complement Nmecha and Joel Piroe.
🔮 PROJECTED STARTING XI (If no more sales)
**Formation: 4-