🔵⚪ Leeds United Transfer Window Report – July 1, 2025
⚽ Back in the Premier League, Leeds Start Rebuild in Earnest
Leeds United are wasting no time reshaping their squad as they gear up for life back in the Premier League following a successful promotion campaign. After falling short the previous season, the club bounced back under manager Daniel Farke, earning automatic promotion and finishing second in the Championship.
Now, with the ambition to avoid another yo-yo season, Leeds have kicked off what promises to be a transformational summer window, working on both outgoings and crucial additions.
✅ INCOMING: Sebastiaan Bornauw Set to Be Unveiled
The biggest story of the day is that Belgian international Sebastiaan Bornauw is set to become Leeds’ third signing of the summer. According to sources close to the club, Bornauw has completed his medical and is ready to sign a four-year contract.
He arrives from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg for a fee believed to be in the region of £5.1 million—a considerable bargain for a 26-year-old defender with over 100 top-flight appearances and international experience. Bornauw is known for his aerial strength, positional discipline, and ability to play out from the back.
This signing addresses a key area of need, giving Leeds a physical and experienced presence alongside the likes of Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk. Bornauw becomes the fourth Belgian in the Leeds squad, joining Amari Miller, Illan Meslier (French-Belgian descent), and Archie Gray’s midfield partner, Aster Vranckx.
🔁 DEPARTURES: Firpo Leaves; Rothwell, Solomon Also Exit
Leeds are not only bringing players in—they’re also trimming the squad and creating room for upgrades:
◼️ Junior Firpo – Free Transfer
After three underwhelming seasons, Junior Firpo has left the club on a free transfer. The former Barcelona full-back, who arrived in 2021 with high expectations, never fully convinced at left-back. His inconsistency and injury issues limited his contribution, and with his wages off the books, Leeds are now free to recruit a more dependable alternative. Firpo’s farewell video to the fans on social media was heartfelt and gracious, marking a respectful end to his chapter at Elland Road.
◼️ Manor Solomon – Returns to Tottenham
Manor Solomon returns to Spurs after spending last season on loan at Leeds. The Israeli winger showed flashes of ability but failed to make a significant impact. Tottenham appear keen to give him a second chance after qualifying for the Champions League, and with Leeds boasting wide options in Summerville, Gnonto, and James, a permanent move was never pursued.
◼️ Joe Rothwell – Leaves for Rangers
Midfielder Joe Rothwell has returned to Bournemouth following the expiry of his loan deal. Interestingly, he is now poised to join Rangers on a permanent basis, becoming the first player to switch clubs under the 49ers Enterprises multi-club ownership model. Rothwell was a serviceable backup option in midfield but was unlikely to see regular action in the Premier League.
🔍 ONGOING TARGETS: Leeds Chase Three from Relegated Southampton
Leeds are actively working on several deals, with three standout targets from relegated Southampton dominating the headlines:
🧤 1. Aaron Ramsdale – £20m Clause Makes Deal Feasible
In one of the more surprising transfer stories of the window, Leeds are exploring a move for England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is available for £20 million due to a relegation clause in his Southampton contract.
Ramsdale has had a rollercoaster few years—rising to fame at Sheffield United, then becoming Arsenal’s No. 1, only to fall down the pecking order and move to Southampton. Despite his talent, he now has three Premier League relegations on his CV, which has raised eyebrows. Critics question whether he’s the stabilizing presence Leeds need in goal, especially with Illan Meslier’s form fluctuating.
However, at just 27, Ramsdale remains an experienced, homegrown keeper with shot-stopping and distribution credentials. Interest from Rangers, Galatasaray, and Brentford means Leeds will need to move quickly if they want to secure him.
🛡️ 2. Kyle Walker-Peters – Free Transfer Opportunity
Possibly the most realistic and attainable of Leeds’ targets is versatile full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is available on a free transfer. After rejecting a new deal at Southampton, he’s now exploring options across the Premier League and Europe.
A former Tottenham product, Walker-Peters is comfortable on both flanks, a trait that makes him especially attractive to Leeds after losing Junior Firpo and with Sam Byram out of contract. Leeds have already made contact and are seen as front-runners, ahead of Besiktas and Tottenham, who may re-sign him to fill their homegrown quota for Champions League registration.
He would likely start on the right over Jayden Bogle and serve as emergency cover on the left—an invaluable asset for a newly promoted side needing reliable defenders.
🎯 3. Mateus Fernandes – £30m Midfield Maestro
Leeds are also pursuing a more ambitious deal for Mateus Fernandes, Southampton’s 20-year-old Brazilian playmaker. After a breakout year, Fernandes has attracted attention from Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and clubs abroad, but Leeds have maintained consistent interest.
He’s being viewed as a potential replacement—or upgrade—for Brenden Aaronson, who could still depart this summer. Fernandes is technically gifted, thrives in tight spaces, and excels at linking midfield and attack. However, Southampton are demanding £30 million, which would make him the second-most expensive player in Leeds United history (after Georginio Rutter).
Unless player sales free up significant funds, this move may be harder to pull off. A structured deal with performance-based add-ons may be Leeds’ best route forward.
🔧 TACTICAL & SQUAD ANALYSIS: Where Leeds Still Need Reinforcements
With Leeds already strengthening the spine through Bornauw, and potentially targeting Ramsdale and Fernandes, here’s a breakdown of remaining needs:
Position Current Options Transfer Priority
Goalkeeper Meslier (uncertain), Darlow (backup) High
Right-Back Bogle, Shackleton High
Left-Back Davis (inconsistent), Byram (out of contract) High
Attacking Mid Aaronson, Poveda Medium
Striker Rutter, Bamford, Joseph Medium
Farke is reportedly happy with his wide options and central midfield, but more work needs to be done in defence and attack if the club is to mount a serious survival challenge.
💬 Manager & Board Outlook
Manager Daniel Farke has remained focused and realistic. Speaking after the promotion parade, he emphasized the need for quality over quantity and reaffirmed his belief in building a team with Premier League readiness, not just raw talent.
The club’s board, led by 49ers Enterprises, appear willing to spend—but within reason. The arrivals so far indicate a strategy of value-for-money recruitment, targeting players with top-flight experience, versatility, and high resale potential.
🧠 Final Thoughts
Leeds United are laying the foundations for a smart, sustainable Premier League return. Bornauw’s signing is just the beginning. Kyle Walker-Peters looks set to follow, with talks already advancing. Ramsdale and Fernandes remain on the radar, but budget constraints mean both would require Leeds to offload players or structure complex deals.
If Leeds can land Walker-Peters, one of Ramsdale or Fernandes, and bring in a backup striker or winger, they’ll have a squad capable of not just surviving—but thriving in the bottom half of the table.
With over 100 players linked and a host of exit decisions still pending, fans can expect a busy few weeks ahead. But for now, Leeds are doing exactly what a promoted side should do: act early, decisively, and with the Premier League in mind.