🔁 Background: Leeds’ Summer Strategy & Promotion Push

Fresh from winning the 2024–25 Championship with 100 points, Leeds United are reinvesting under Daniel Farke to ensure Premier League safety . Following promotion, the club has already brought in five major signings: Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Louis Enahoro-Marcus, and Sean Longstaff — forming the core of a revamped squad ready for the top flight .

Leeds are targeting further additions to elevate depth across attack, midfield, defence, and goalkeeping before the campaign begins.

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1. 🟡 Igor Paixao – Winger Pursuit Hits Critical Phase

Current Situation

Leeds have long been interested in Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, recognized for his creativity, direct dribbling, and goal contribution — in 2024–25 alone, he amassed 16 league goals and 14 assists .

At one point, Leeds were believed to have the upper hand over Marseille due to their willingness to meet Feyenoord’s valuation, reportedly in excess of €30–35 million (£25m–30m+) .

French outlet Le Progrès and Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri report Marseille now have an agreement with Feyenoord for €35 m plus bonuses, effectively removing Leeds from the lead in the race .

Injury Setback

Crucially, Paixao is now facing a muscle injury sustained during Feyenoord’s pre-season training. He is expected to be sidelined for “several weeks,” missing the start of the 2025–26 season — a development that has cast doubt on the timing and feasibility of a transfer .

Leeds’ Perspective

Despite Marseille edging ahead, Leeds have reportedly not received confirmation of a completed deal, and sources like Graham Smyth suggest the Whites are keeping the door open for a potential late coup .

However, the combination of Marseille’s financial capability, player agreement, and Paixao’s injury now suggests Leeds are unlikely to land him this window.

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2. 🧤 Lucas Perri – Goalkeeper Target Breached by External Factors

Background & Valuation

Leeds had earmarked Lucas Perri — the 27-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper of Lyon — as a top target to replace Illan Meslier, with his value estimated at €23m (£19.8m / ~£20m) .

Changing Landscape at Lyon

Lyon’s initial relegation to Ligue 2 spurred transfer interest in Perri, but after a successful appeal, they will remain in Ligue 1. This has reduced their urgency to sell and complicated Leeds’ approach .

Injury Issue

Most recently, Perri sustained a muscle injury during pre-season, ruling him out of Lyon’s next two friendly matches against Daring Brussels and Hamburger SV. While a minor fitness setback may not dissuade interested clubs, it could delay negotiations or cause Leeds to assess alternatives .

Expert View

Injury specialists anticipate Perri would likely clear a medical easily, given his previous durability and 10 clean sheets in 33 Ligue 1 matches. His height (6’5”), command in the box, and shot-stopping record make him a compelling upgrade for Leeds’ Premier League plans .

Summary

Leeds remain interested, and Perri was firmly on their shortlist. But with Lyon’s reinstatement, financial factors, and the current injury, progress may be slower, and the Whites might explore backup goalkeeper targets if delays persist.

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✅ 3. Anton Stach – Deal Completed, Medical Passed, Announcement Imminent

Leeds have finalised a deal for Anton Stach from Hoffenheim, confirming him as the club’s sixth signing of the summer.

Transfer fee: £19.9 million

Contract: Four-year deal

Medical: Completed in Germany near Leeds’ training camp location

Official unveiling: Expected within 1–2 days .

Role & Tactical Fit

Stach arrives as a box-to-box midfielder with German football education — strong on ball retention, distribution, and physical presence (approx. 6’3”).

His arrival complements Daniel Farke’s press-heavy style, and his familiarity with Bundesliga standards bodes well for adapting quickly. He joins a growing German/central-European midfield core with Bijol and Bornauw.

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🧩 Leeds’ Summer Signings: Status & Structure

Player Position Transfer Status Fee Contract & Fit

Jaka Bijol Centre-back Completed Undisclosed Farke profile; Bundesliga shape
Lukas Nmecha Striker Free transfer £0 Depth option from Wolfsburg
Sebastiaan Bornauw Centre-back Completed £5.0 m Physical presence
Gabriel Gudmundsson Left-back Completed £10.0 m Versatile full-back
Louis Enahoro-Marcus Defender Free transfer £0 Young defensive option
Sean Longstaff Midfielder Completed £12.0 m Premier League experience
Anton Stach Midfielder Sealed £19.9 m Box‑to‑box/Six‑depth signing

With these transfers, Leeds have significantly upgraded the spine across all key areas — defence, midfield, and forward options — showing clear intent and resource allocation.

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📌 Remaining Priorities & Risk Areas

Attack

Without Paixao, Leeds still lack a clear wide match-winner. Other targets may now be evaluated, or squad internally adapted.

Goalkeeper

Perri remains feasible, but Leeds may need back‑ups or alternate targets if negotiations stall due to Lyon’s changed position or fitness concerns.

Striker depth

Beyond Nmecha, Leeds may seek an additional forward to provide rotation or competition; Mateo Joseph remains a squad option but has speculated exit interest (£10m) to fund further attacking deals, including targets like Rodrigo Muniz (£50m price tag) .

Outgoings

Mateo Joseph’s sale could free funds. Additionally, fringe players or those misaligned with Farke’s system may depart to streamline squad dynamics and wage structure.

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📅 Timeline & Context

Promoted to the Premier League in May 2025 after a dominant Championship season .

Transfer moves accelerated through June–July 2025, with the window intensifying around mid-to-late July.

Paixao developments peaked around July 19–20, with Marseille’s move reported as near-complete on July 20, 2025 .

Perri’s injury was confirmed publicly on July 21, 2025, impacting his potential transfer window entry scenario .

Anton Stach’s medical and fee disclosure emerged in late July with the final official announcement pending as of July 21–22, 2025 .

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🎯 Final Analysis

Leeds United’s summer activity under Daniel Farke demonstrates ambition and strategic planning:

They’ve added depth and quality across six key additions.

Stach’s arrival provides midfield solidity; other signings strengthen defense, midfield depth, and attacking options.

The Paixao pursuit appears to be slipping away, given that Marseille now have a decisive lead and Feyenoord-Feyenoord agreement reportedly finalised.

** Lucas Perri** remains a viable option but is now complicated by Lyon’s league status reversal and his injury.

Leeds must now assess contingencies: new forward alternatives, secondary goalkeeper options, and potential sales to balance the books and enable further spending.

With official confirmation of Stach expected soon, Leeds may yet wrap up another deal or two before pre-season concludes. Their recent activity shows a club proactively building for Premier League retention — and still open to further surprise moves.