Leeds United’s summer transfer window has been one of significant activity as the club works diligently to revamp its squad for the upcoming season. After a challenging campaign last year, the club’s management, under the guidance of Daniel Farke, has prioritized strengthening key positions to ensure a more balanced and competitive team for the season ahead. With a focus on defensive stability, midfield creativity, and attacking options, Leeds United has been active in the transfer market and appears ready to challenge for a higher position in the league. Let’s delve into the ins and outs at Elland Road, examining the completed transfers and the remaining needs that Leeds must address.
Defensive Reinforcements: A New Look Backline
One of the most pressing concerns for Leeds last season was their defensive fragility. The loss of key players like Junior Firpo left the team exposed in key areas, and the club knew that bolstering the defence would be a priority heading into the transfer window. Over the course of the summer, Leeds have made several crucial additions to shore up their backline.
The club’s defensive overhaul began with the acquisition of Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson, both of whom were brought in to replace Firpo and improve the centre-back positions. The total investment of £25 million for these two players demonstrates Leeds’ commitment to strengthening the foundation of the team. Jaka Bijol, who has earned a reputation for his commanding presence and solid aerial ability, has arrived from Serie A to offer an imposing figure in the backline. His size, strength, and ability to read the game will be invaluable in dealing with opposition attackers. In addition to his defensive prowess, Bijol has shown the ability to play out from the back, something that will undoubtedly fit well into Daniel Farke’s preferred style of football.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Gudmundsson adds a level of versatility and reliability to the defensive setup. Although not as high-profile as Bijol, Gudmundsson’s ability to play in various positions across the defence, including centre-back and full-back, gives Farke tactical flexibility. His steady and composed approach to defending is a much-needed quality for a Leeds side that struggled with defensive consistency last season. Together, the pair will look to provide stability and leadership at the back, and their combined skillset gives Leeds greater depth and competition for starting roles.
The defensive reshaping continued with the addition of Sebastiaan Bornauw from VfL Wolfsburg for a relatively modest £5 million. Bornauw comes in as a replacement for Max Wober, who left the club for personal reasons. The Belgian centre-back is known for his strength in the air, his ability to read the game, and his leadership qualities. Bornauw brings experience from Germany’s Bundesliga and will add both depth and physicality to Leeds’ defensive ranks. With his arrival, Leeds now have a deeper pool of defenders, making them better equipped to cope with the demands of the season ahead.
Midfield Overhaul: Adding Quality and Height
In midfield, Leeds have also been active in strengthening their options. The loss of Joe Rothwell and Josuha Guilavogui at the end of last season left a gap in the heart of the midfield, and the club knew it needed to recruit players who could offer balance, energy, and technical ability. This is especially true as Daniel Farke shifted to a 4-3-3 formation, requiring his midfielders to contribute defensively as well as in attack.
Leeds’ first major midfield signing was Sean Longstaff, who joined from Newcastle United for £15 million. Longstaff’s arrival adds both quality and experience to the Leeds midfield. Known for his box-to-box style of play, Longstaff offers a blend of defensive stability and attacking intent. His ability to cover ground, break up opposition attacks, and contribute offensively is exactly what Leeds needed in the middle of the park. Longstaff’s ability to control the tempo and dictate play will be crucial as Farke looks to implement a more fluid and possession-based style. The £15 million spent on Longstaff is a reflection of the club’s desire to recruit players who can make an immediate impact and contribute to a more competitive team.
Alongside Longstaff, Leeds are close to completing the signing of Anton Stach from Hoffenheim. Stach, a tall and physically imposing midfielder, brings height and presence to Leeds’ midfield. At over 6 feet tall, Stach offers aerial ability, which is particularly important for set pieces and defending against crosses. More than just a physical presence, Stach is also comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of breaking up opposition attacks. His style of play makes him an ideal partner for Longstaff, providing a solid and balanced midfield partnership that is capable of both defending and attacking. This signing represents a proactive step to ensure that Leeds have a more physical and dynamic midfield in place, which can control games both defensively and offensively.
Defensive Loan Bid for Diego Carlos: A Potential Yet Unlikely Addition
In addition to the permanent defensive signings, Leeds have been linked with a loan move for Diego Carlos, the Brazilian centre-back currently at Fenerbahce. Carlos, who previously made a high-profile move to Aston Villa for £26 million in 2022, has seen his career stutter due to an Achilles injury, which limited his playing time at Villa Park. The Brazilian defender is now available for a potential loan move, and Leeds have reportedly made a bid to bring him to Elland Road.
However, the situation surrounding Carlos is unclear. While Leeds, along with Sunderland and Burnley, have expressed interest in securing his services, it remains uncertain whether Fenerbahce would be willing to let him leave on loan. Carlos’ injury history and relative lack of game time in the Premier League raise questions about whether he would be the right addition for Leeds at this stage, especially given the recent arrivals of Bijol, Gudmundsson, and Bornauw, which have strengthened the centre-back options significantly. As such, it’s possible that Leeds’ focus will remain on further strengthening other areas of the squad rather than pursuing Carlos at this point.
Remaining Gaps: Goalkeeper, Left-Winger, and Striker
Although Leeds have made significant progress in defence and midfield, there are still key areas that require attention before the transfer window closes. These are crucial positions that could determine the success of the team this season.
- Goalkeeper: Despite having Illan Meslier as their current first-choice goalkeeper, Leeds remain in the market for a potential addition between the sticks. Meslier, although talented, has had inconsistencies in his performances, particularly with shot-stopping and dealing with high balls. Leeds have been linked with Lucas Perri, the Brazilian goalkeeper who has been playing in his home country. Perri is seen as a promising option, offering potential for growth while providing competition for Meslier. The club may look to bring in another goalkeeper who can challenge for the starting role and provide stability at the back.
- Left-Winger: The departure of Manor Solomon has left a void on the left flank, and Leeds are in desperate need of a quality left-winger to offer width and creativity. Largie Ramazani is the only true left-sided winger in the squad at the moment, and while he has shown flashes of potential, Leeds need more options to compete in the Premier League. One name frequently mentioned in the transfer rumour mill is Igor Paixao, a Brazilian winger who has impressed with his dribbling skills, pace, and ability to create chances. Paixao would be an excellent addition, as he can add depth and width to the squad, providing another attacking option for Farke’s system. A left-winger with the ability to contribute both in terms of assists and goals would be a crucial signing to complete the squad.
- Striker: Finally, Leeds are on the lookout for a new striker who can lead the line and complement the attacking options already at the club. Lukas Nmecha has already been signed, but the club has made it clear they want a starting striker who can compete at the top level. Rodrigo Muniz from Fulham is one player who has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds. Muniz, a Brazilian forward, is known for his powerful presence, clinical finishing, and ability to hold the ball up. With Patrick Bamford reportedly up for sale and Mateo Joseph also expected to leave, Leeds are looking to bring in a reliable goal-scorer to lead the attack. The addition of a clinical striker would be key to ensuring that Leeds have the firepower to challenge at the top of the league.
Conclusion: A New Era at Elland Road
In conclusion, Leeds United have made significant strides in reshaping their squad this summer. With notable signings in defence and midfield, the club has strengthened key areas of the pitch. Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Sean Longstaff, and Anton Stach all represent solid acquisitions that will help Leeds become more competitive in the upcoming season. However, there are still areas of the squad that need to be addressed, most notably in goal, on the left wing, and in the striker position. If Leeds can successfully add the right players to complete their squad, they will be well-positioned to challenge for a top-half finish and potentially push for promotion back to the Premier League in the near future. With a clearer tactical vision under Daniel Farke, the foundations for success at Elland Road appear to be in place, and it will be exciting to see how the team fares with its new-look squad.