⚪ Leeds United in Trouble? Sunderland Hijack Key Targets and Raise Pressure on Daniel Farke’s Summer Rebuild
The 2025 summer transfer window has started with more questions than answers at Elland Road, and after three significant transfer blows dealt by newly promoted rivals Sunderland, Leeds United find themselves playing catch-up. Manager Daniel Farke, back in the Premier League after guiding Leeds through the EFL gauntlet, faces a precarious summer. The early momentum belongs to Sunderland — and Leeds are now under heavy pressure to respond.
This isn’t just about players. This is about ambition, planning, execution, and perception — and right now, Sunderland are winning on all fronts.
🔥 The Sunderland Saga: A Triple Blow to Leeds’ Summer Plans
Sunderland, backed by a reinvigorated ownership group and operating under the returning Premier League spotlight, have wasted no time making a statement. That statement has come largely at Leeds’ expense, poaching three players Leeds had actively targeted — each time beating the Whites to the punch either financially or in negotiations.
Let’s break it down:
- 🟥 Habib Diarra – The Midfield Engine Leeds Desperately Wanted
Leeds had multiple bids rejected for 20-year-old Habib Diarra, the highly rated Strasbourg midfielder, and had identified him as a cornerstone of Farke’s midfield for the new campaign. Athletic, tactically intelligent, and boasting an engine that never stops running, Diarra was the type of progressive midfielder who could’ve been a long-term fixture at Elland Road.
Instead, Sunderland offered better terms — reportedly up to £30 million — and secured the signing. A major coup. And a demoralising moment for Leeds.
“It’s not just that we missed out — it’s who got him. That’s a six-pointer lost before the season even starts.” — Leeds fan comment via social media
- 🟥 Noah Sadiki – Another Snub, Another Statement
Leeds also reportedly had a bid turned down for Noah Sadiki, a versatile 19-year-old midfielder from Union Saint-Gilloise. Sadiki is well-regarded for his positional flexibility, tactical maturity, and excellent ball recovery. In many ways, he fit the mold of the “modern destroyer” that Leeds have lacked since Kalvin Phillips’ departure.
Again, Sunderland moved quickly — and decisively — while Leeds hesitated. And again, the player opted for the Stadium of Light.
- 🟥 Djordje Petrovic – The Goalkeeper Leeds Wanted to Build Around
After a turbulent 2024–25 season from Illan Meslier, Leeds were already prioritizing a goalkeeper rebuild. Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic, who had impressed in both Premier League and cup action, was viewed as a realistic and high-upside solution.
But as with Diarra and Sadiki, Sunderland beat Leeds to the punch — finalising a deal to make Petrovic their new No. 1. This blow hurt especially hard, as Petrovic would’ve immediately resolved a glaring need and sent a strong message that Leeds were back with intent.
⚠️ The Result: Early Warnings for Leeds’ Transfer Strategy
So far, Leeds have made three signings — Sebastiaan Bornauw being the most prominent — and while those moves provide some defensive solidity, none have matched the headline value, potential, or profile of Sunderland’s recent acquisitions.
From the outside, it appears that Leeds’ summer window has been built around a cautious, conservative strategy — but that strategy is now under scrutiny. When you’re a newly promoted team in the Premier League, hesitance can look a lot like weakness.
“There’s a fine line between being patient and being outpaced. Right now, it feels like Leeds are on the wrong side of that line.” — Comment from Premier League pundit Graeme Bailey
And behind closed doors? Bailey told Leeds United News that the club is “downplaying the rivalry” and doesn’t want to be seen as locked in a transfer war with Sunderland. But the truth is, the rivalry exists whether Leeds acknowledge it or not — and it could define the bottom half of the table come May.
🧤 Vanja Milinković-Savić: The New Goalkeeping Target
In the wake of losing Petrovic — and missing out on Caoimhin Kelleher earlier in the summer to Brentford — Leeds are now turning their attention to Vanja Milinković-Savić, the Serbian international and Torino shot-stopper.
At 6’8″, Milinković-Savić is one of the tallest goalkeepers in Europe and has earned praise for his commanding presence in Serie A. Known for his shot-stopping ability, aerial control, and calm distribution, he’s arguably a better fit stylistically for Farke’s system than Meslier.
🔎 Milinković-Savić Profile Snapshot
Attribute Rating / Notes
Age 28
Height 6’8” (203 cm)
Nationality Serbian (regular starter)
Current Club Torino (Serie A)
Contract Reported €19.5M release clause
Strengths Aerial dominance, shot-stopping, composure
Weaknesses Slightly slow off his line at times
Leeds are reportedly monitoring his situation closely, with various Italian outlets suggesting the club may be ready to trigger the release clause. However, there are concerns about the reliability of the sources — and fears that Napoli may yet re-enter the race after previously falling just short of a deal.
In other words: Leeds could still be outbid again — unless they move swiftly and decisively.
🧠 The Bigger Picture: Is There a Transfer Strategy — or Just Missed Opportunities?
Let’s zoom out and assess this more broadly. What’s really going on at Leeds? Is this a slow-burning, carefully calculated window — or is the club falling behind due to indecision and financial restraint?
🟢 Potential Positives:
Leeds are not overpaying in panic mode, avoiding inflated fees like Sunderland’s £30m for Diarra.
There may be a longer-term strategy that prioritises value over hype.
The club insists it will be judged at the end of the window, not in July.
🔴 Mounting Concerns:
Missing out on top targets (especially to direct rivals) can have long-term morale consequences.
The 49ers’ ownership, while financially stable, haven’t shown a willingness to compete with bold offers from elsewhere.
Daniel Farke’s recruitment team appears reactive rather than proactive, with most moves seeming like second-choice alternatives.
📊 Statistical Comparison: Petrovic vs. Milinković-Savić vs. Meslier
Metric Djordje Petrovic Vanja Milinković-Savić Illan Meslier
Save % (2024–25) 73% 74% 68%
Aerial Claims per 90 2.4 2.9 1.6
Long Pass Completion Rate 61% 67% 53%
Clean Sheets 9 (Chelsea) 10 (Torino) 6 (Leeds)
Age 25 28 24
Market Value £22m £15–17m £13m
From a data perspective, Milinković-Savić would likely be an upgrade on Meslier in every category except age. He’s also marginally stronger in most categories than Petrovic — though Petrovic’s Premier League experience gives him an edge in adaptability.
🚨 What Needs to Happen Next at Elland Road?
If Leeds want to reassert themselves as credible Premier League survivors — let alone contenders for mid-table — the next few weeks are absolutely critical. Here’s what must happen:
- ✅ Secure Milinković-Savić or another proven goalkeeper ASAP — no more hesitation.
- ✅ Identify and sign a marquee midfielder, not a backup plan.
- ✅ Add a proven attacker with pace, Premier League experience, or both.
- ✅ Clarify the status of current players like Gnonto, Meslier, Summerville, and Gray — the squad needs clarity, not chaos.
- ✅ Show fans the club is ambitious, not just cautious.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Can Leeds Recover?
The truth is — this transfer window is far from over. But the tone has been set. Sunderland are moving fast, spending big, and beating Leeds to top-tier targets. Meanwhile, Leeds are left regrouping, re-evaluating, and trying to shift from reactionary deals to proactive planning.
There’s still time. But it’s running out.
If Leeds want to avoid a frantic final week in August, they’ll need to act now.