⚪ Leeds United Transfer Window 2025: Full-Length Report
The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent Leeds United history. With Premier League football secured, a new board fully in place, and Daniel Farke at the helm, the club is undergoing a strategic squad rebuild. The recruitment drive is being powered by the 49ers Enterprises ownership group, who are now making ambitious moves to ensure top-flight survival—and eventually, sustainability.
Leeds have already signed five new players, including high-potential names like Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sean Longstaff. But the club’s business is far from done. Here’s the latest intel on three of the club’s biggest stories this week.
🟢 Christantus Uche — Leeds’ Midfield Breakthrough Target
🌍 Who Is He?
Christantus Uche, 23, is a 6’3” Nigerian midfielder currently playing for Getafe in Spain’s La Liga. A commanding presence in the middle of the park, Uche combines physicality, technical ability, and box-to-box endurance. His attributes have drawn comparisons to midfield powerhouses such as Thomas Partey and Mousa Dembélé. He broke into the spotlight in the 2024/25 season, registering 4 goals and 6 assists in 33 La Liga matches while controlling tempo in central midfield.
His value skyrocketed due to his consistency and versatility—able to play as a defensive midfielder, a central anchor, or a late-arriving No. 8 with attacking instincts.
🔥 Interest from Leeds United
Leeds’ midfield project has been a point of focus for Farke and the recruitment team. Though Sean Longstaff was brought in to add experience and composure, Leeds still lack a mobile, dominant, ball-carrying midfielder. That’s where Uche comes in.
According to sources close to the club and Spanish press, Leeds have submitted formal enquiries to Getafe regarding Uche’s availability. The player has a £21 million release clause, which Leeds are reportedly considering activating, pending further internal discussions. They are said to be ahead of Atletico Madrid, Newcastle United, and Wolves in the race.
🧠 Tactical Fit
Uche would offer Leeds a dynamic midfield option that can shield the defence, intercept possession, and contribute in both halves of the pitch. Farke has used a 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 system, and Uche could operate in both setups:
As a ball-winner next to Longstaff in a double pivot
As a box-to-box engine in a midfield trio behind a creative No. 10
With Premier League physicality and pace, Uche’s frame and stamina make him a high-ceiling asset for a team aiming to bridge the quality gap quickly.
🗣️ What’s the Hold-Up?
Uche’s agent recently played down reports, stating:
“There’s no agreement with any club yet. Christantus is focused on Getafe and national team duties. Talks may happen, but nothing has been signed or finalised.”
This may be standard posturing in transfer negotiations, as agents look to secure favourable terms. Leeds are still believed to be seriously evaluating the financial outlay, especially with other high-profile targets also under consideration.
🧤 The Goalkeeper Hunt: Post-Meslier Planning
🔄 Change at the Back
With Illan Meslier expected to leave Elland Road this summer after five seasons, replacing him is one of the club’s top priorities. Though Meslier had a solid Championship season, his inconsistency and distribution issues at Premier League level have prompted Leeds to seek a more modern alternative.
🧍♂️ Top Names on the Radar
- Robin Zentner (Mainz, Bundesliga)
Age: 30
Value: £6–8 million
Description: A tall (6’5”), experienced German shot-stopper who’s known for reflex saves and commanding the area. However, his footwork and passing are below average by modern standards.
- Lucas Perri (Lyon)
Age: 26
Value: £10–12 million
Profile: Brazilian keeper with strong ball-playing ability, quick reactions, and sharp decision-making under pressure. At Lyon, Perri’s performances have drawn praise for calm distribution under pressing systems—something Farke heavily values.
- Djordje Petrovic (Chelsea)
Age: 25
Availability: Loan or sale
Situation: Petrovic could be available depending on Chelsea’s incoming transfers. Leeds are monitoring his situation closely as he’d represent a Premier League-ready shot-stopper.
🔍 Where Things Stand
Leeds were initially pursuing Vanja Milinković-Savić, but the Serbian keeper has agreed to join Napoli instead. This has accelerated Leeds’ talks with other shortlisted names. According to journalist Graham Smyth, negotiations have “advanced significantly” since the Longstaff signing, and a deal is expected within the next 10 days.
🏹 Igor Paixão — Leeds’ Statement Target on the Wing
🇧🇷 Breakout Star of the Eredivisie
Few players had a better 2024/25 season than Igor Paixão, who earned the Dutch Footballer of the Year award after his blistering season with Feyenoord. The Brazilian winger registered 12 goals and 11 assists, terrorising defences with his pace, technique, and off-ball movement.
Capable of playing on either flank, Paixão thrives cutting inside from the left onto his right foot. His dribbling, decision-making, and ability to break lines are reminiscent of Raphinha, who famously left Leeds for Barcelona.
💬 Leeds’ Long Pursuit
Leeds made contact with Paixão’s camp over a month ago, and the discussions have only grown more serious. Club sources suggest Leeds have now given full green light to push forward, with Paixão’s entourage receptive to the Premier League project being offered.
“He wants a new challenge,” a source close to the deal said. “He loves the idea of playing in England.”
💰 The Deal: Costs and Competitors
Feyenoord reportedly value Paixão at around £33 million. Marseille were interested, but backed off after seeing the price tag. Other Premier League clubs like Brighton, West Ham, and even Arsenal are watching closely, though none have made formal bids yet.
Feyenoord, anticipating his sale, have already lined up a replacement winger—strongly signalling their readiness to sell if the price is met.
🚨 Injury Update
One snag: Paixão suffered a minor muscle injury in pre-season training, sidelining him for a few weeks. Leeds are believed to still be moving forward, but will monitor his recovery closely before finalising terms.
🧠 Where Would He Fit?
Likely to start on the left wing, replacing Wilfried Gnonto, who could be sold this summer.
Offers goals, assists, and directness—perfect for Farke’s narrow front three.
Could allow Dan James and Crysencio Summerville to rotate more freely on the opposite flank.
📌 Summary Table
Target Club Role Fee (Est.) Status
Christantus Uche Getafe Midfielder (Box-to-box) £21m Enquiries made; agent downplaying
Lucas Perri Lyon Goalkeeper £10–12m Active talks; modern style keeper
Robin Zentner Mainz Goalkeeper £6–8m Secondary target; talks ongoing
Igor Paixão Feyenoord Winger (Left) £30–33m Internal approval given; injured
🧭 What’s Next for Leeds United?
With five signings already through the door and more expected imminently, Leeds are aiming for at least three more key additions before the window shuts. Expect:
1x First-choice goalkeeper
1x High-impact winger (Paixão is the top name)
1x Midfielder (Uche is the leading candidate)
Optional: A backup striker or a versatile defender
Daniel Farke is keen to have most of the business completed by early August, giving him time to gel the squad before Leeds’ return to Premier League action.