⚪ Leeds United: Transfer Market Gathers Pace as Daniel Farke’s Side Prepares for Promotion Push
After a season of near-misses, heartbreak, and lessons learned, Leeds United have begun their summer rebuild with determination and renewed focus. Their failure to secure promotion from the EFL Championship last season — despite reaching the playoffs — has ignited a fresh urgency within the club. Now, with the summer transfer window wide open, Leeds are plotting an ambitious, multi-phase recruitment campaign to assemble a squad not only capable of challenging for promotion again, but dominating the Championship from start to finish.
At the heart of this rebuild is a meticulous recruitment strategy — overseen by football operations chief Adam Underwood, supported by head coach Daniel Farke, and shaped by the club’s broader long-term vision. Leeds aren’t merely trying to plug holes — they are attempting to reshape the identity and capability of the first team, with a more balanced and versatile squad that can sustain the physical and tactical demands of a 46-game league season, along with cup responsibilities.
As the first full week of July unfolds, the Whites are now looking to accelerate their transfer activity. With three signings already through the door, the club is poised to announce a fourth in the coming days, with Gabriel Gudmundsson set to join from Lille. However, all eyes are increasingly focused on another high-profile target: Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf, a rising Senegalese star attracting interest from multiple clubs — including Premier League outfit West Ham United.
✅ Gabriel Gudmundsson: Arrival Imminent from Lille
Let’s start with the signing closest to completion. Leeds are expected to finalize the transfer of Gabriel Gudmundsson in the next 24–48 hours. The Swedish international, currently with French side Lille, has reportedly arrived in England to complete medical tests and finalize personal terms. While the fee has not been disclosed, it is believed to be a moderately priced acquisition, aligning with Leeds’ current financial posture — ambitious, but sustainable.
🧠 Tactical Fit and Versatility
Gudmundsson is a modern full-back — mobile, intelligent, and technically sound. He’s played both as a traditional left-back and as a wing-back, which will provide Daniel Farke with a wealth of tactical flexibility. His experience in Ligue 1 and in European competitions gives him a maturity that should prove invaluable in the Championship, especially given how often Leeds struggled with defensive lapses last season.
With Sam Byram reportedly considering his future and Junior Firpo often plagued by injuries and inconsistency, Gudmundsson’s arrival would not only address a positional need but elevate the overall quality and reliability of Leeds’ defensive unit.
🔥 El Hadji Malick Diouf: The Transfer Tug-of-War Intensifies
While Gudmundsson’s arrival is all but sealed, the situation surrounding El Hadji Malick Diouf remains fluid and fiercely competitive. Leeds United’s interest in the 20-year-old Senegalese utility defender has been widely reported, but they now face stiff competition from West Ham United, who are currently leading the race for his signature.
📈 Who is Diouf?
Diouf is one of the most exciting young defensive prospects in European football. Currently at Slavia Prague, he has earned praise for his performances across various positions — including centre-back, full-back, wing-back, and even in midfield. His blend of athleticism, defensive intelligence, and composure on the ball has drawn comparisons to top-tier defenders, despite his young age.
Many Leeds fans will remember his standout performance for Senegal’s U23 team against England at the City Ground last month. In that match, he was tasked with marking Bukayo Saka — a tall order for any defender, let alone a 20-year-old — and he delivered a dominant performance, nullifying Saka’s threat and showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
💬 What’s the Latest?
West Ham have already had a £17.25 million bid rejected for Diouf, but remain in active negotiations. The total package Slavia Prague are holding out for is said to be around £21.6 million including add-ons — a fee that reflects Diouf’s potential but is a significant outlay, especially for a Championship club like Leeds.
Slavia manager Jindřich Trpišovský has now publicly acknowledged Diouf’s imminent departure:
“We’re all thinking about a transfer. It’s a matter of time. The club’s management is taking care of it. Malick has an individual program. We don’t want to take any risks. He’s a player with extraordinary qualities. Slavia’s demands must be met, but we believe he will leave.”
Moreover, Slavia Prague have played three pre-season matches — against Ludogorets, U Cluj, and Linz — and Diouf has been absent from all of them, another strong signal that a transfer is imminent.
⚔️ Can Leeds Still Compete?
For Leeds, Diouf would represent a major coup. His ability to fill multiple roles would ease injury concerns and provide tactical options. However, prying him away from West Ham — a Premier League side with greater financial muscle and European aspirations — will require Leeds to either match the financial package or offer Diouf a more compelling developmental pathway, potentially as an immediate starter in a promotion-chasing side.
It’s an uphill battle, but not impossible — especially if Diouf values playing time, personal development, and a starring role over merely joining a bigger club.
🔄 Squad Needs: Still Much Work to Be Done
Beyond Gudmundsson and Diouf, Leeds United’s recruitment drive is far from complete. In fact, Adam Underwood and the scouting team are said to be actively working on five or six more deals, depending on potential departures. Here’s a breakdown of their remaining targets:
🧤 Goalkeeper
With Illan Meslier’s form under scrutiny and Kristoffer Klaesson yet to fully convince, Leeds are pursuing a new first-choice goalkeeper — someone with strong shot-stopping ability and composed distribution. A potential Meslier exit cannot be ruled out.
🎯 Starting Striker
Leeds desperately need a reliable striker to spearhead their attack. Patrick Bamford remains a fan favorite but is no longer seen as the consistent, injury-free option he once was. A physical, prolific forward who can handle the demands of the Championship is a top priority.
🧠 Midfielder (Press-Resistant and Energetic)
The midfield lacked dynamism and composure last season. Leeds are looking for a box-to-box midfielder who can both protect the back line and contribute going forward — someone in the mold of a prime Tyler Adams or Mateusz Klich.
✨ Aaronson Upgrade
The club is looking for a more productive and consistent version of Brenden Aaronson, whose time at Leeds was inconsistent. This could be a creative attacking midfielder or inverted winger with better end product.
🪄 Winger (Solomon Replacement)
Manor Solomon’s departure has left a creative void on the flanks. Leeds want a direct, pacey winger who can deliver goals and assists from wide areas — a game-changer in 1v1 situations.
🛡️ Full-Back (Contingent on Byram)
If Sam Byram departs — as is rumored — Leeds will need another full-back, preferably one who can play on either flank or as part of a back three.
🧭 What’s Next?
The coming days will be crucial. Leeds are in the midst of finalizing pre-season plans and solidifying squad depth. The window is moving quickly, and with other clubs like West Ham, Southampton, and Leicester City also active, Leeds must act decisively to avoid missing out on key targets.
What’s clear is this: promotion is the only acceptable goal for the 2024–25 season. With the parachute payments reduced, financial fair play pressures looming, and Premier League ambitions intact, Leeds United need to get this transfer window right — not just for the upcoming campaign, but for the long-term health and identity of the club.
⚪ Final Thoughts
Leeds United’s transfer window is evolving rapidly — and finally taking on the shape fans have been hoping for. With Gabriel Gudmundsson’s arrival imminent and a high-stakes pursuit of El Hadji Malick Diouf underway, the club is entering a critical phase. The next few weeks will be defined by decisiveness, negotiation, and smart investment.
Get those signings right, and Leeds will have a squad capable of doing more than just surviving in the Championship — they’ll have one ready to dominate it.