Pope/Ramsdale/Johnstone would be an upgrade at keeper. Langstaff from Newcastle would be an upgrade on Rothwell. McAtee would be an upgrade on Aaronson. Abrahams would be an upgrade on Piroe.
Agree on al of those. That’s how we need to play it but I think we should only get rid of players who were bit part of no part last season e.g Harrison, Meslier, Greenwood, Gelhardt & Gyabi. Out of your picks above I’d go with Johnstone, solid keeper. Longstaff would be cheap, knows the PL and very experienced. Think we’d struggle to convince McAtee and Abraham. Think Hamer or Buendia may be the 10s we go for & Beto as mentioned for 9. Hearing a lot of hate for Beto however he’s scored what 10 PL goals? We could do a lot worse than that. Think it could be worth keeping hold of Bamford especially if Joseph going on loan as that then means 2 strikers to get in. Wober also a decent squad option. Would keep Firpo as a no.2 but not a no.1. If Firpo goes is it worth keeping Byram for the squad for another year?
You get the impression Farke has never forgiven Wober and we’ve never got the best out of him, I’d sell and bring someone else in, if we can bring in two CBs I’d sell Struijk too.
Joseph makes sense to sell due to psr rules. It will be nearly pure profit and we can reinvest in the here and now. No point in planning for a future if we can't build a stable Base right now. Maybe get a sell on clause in there, but he's not going to be pulling up trees next season in the Premier league
Looks like Solomon is off the Marseille. His missus must tired of life in West Yorkshire and wants sun, wine and fine shipping
Some French journalist as said Marseille have no interest in signing Solomon. So he'll be their player in a few weeks then
Rumours about Archie Gray, but probably based purely on him not doing too well. In other news, we're probably going make Eddie the coach FFS.
He turned us down when we last got promoted in favour of playing in European competitions with Lille, so I would imagine that he has his sights set even higher now. Thought he would've been a great signing for us then and agree he would be a great signing now, but there are a lot bigger clubs than Lille chasing him this time, so I'd expect him to join a club playing Champions League football
Lol ok Este here you go. Ninja AI told me my question was incorrect as Leeds United had not been promoted to the EPL.. Whilst technically correct, as the EPL season is still in progress, I expected a better response than I received. ChatGPT suggested the following targets - Defence - Ben Davies(Spurs), Connor Coady (Leicester) and Chris Mepham (Bournemouth). In midfield, Longstaff (Newcastle), Hamer (Sheffield Utd) and Buendia (Aston Villa). Up front, Archer (Southampton), Fofana (Chelsea) and Wilson (Newcastle). Finally Grok gave the most in depth and reasoned analysis. I might not agree with the targets but felt this was the most impressive response of the 3 AI's I asked. Leeds United’s return to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season, after securing the Championship title with 100 points, calls for strategic signings to ensure they avoid the fate of recently promoted sides like Burnley, Sheffield United, and Southampton, who struggled to stay up. The club’s chairman, Paraag Marathe, has signaled ambition with a reported £100m+ transfer budget, and manager Daniel Farke is prioritizing a squad capable of competing in the top flight. Based on current squad needs, transfer rumors, and the club’s financial position, here are key areas to strengthen and realistic targets Leeds should consider, balancing ambition with pragmatism. ### Key Areas to Strengthen 1. **Goalkeeper**: Illan Meslier’s errors in the Championship have raised doubts about his Premier League readiness, and Farke reportedly wants a top-class replacement. A reliable goalkeeper is critical for survival. 2. **Defense**: While Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon are solid, Leeds need depth and quality, especially at center-back and left-back, with Junior Firpo likely to depart and Sam Byram’s contract expiring. 3. **Midfield**: The midfield, led by Ampadu and Ao Tanaka, is functional but lacks Premier League-proven creativity and depth. A dynamic central midfielder could elevate the squad. 4. **Attack**: Leeds have options like Largie Ramazani, Manor Solomon (on loan), and Mateo Joseph, but a proven Premier League striker is a priority to replace Patrick Bamford, whose contract ends in 2026 and whose injury record is unreliable. 5. **Squad Depth**: The Premier League’s intensity demands versatile backups to handle injuries and rotation, especially after Leeds’ thin squad was exposed in previous top-flight campaigns. ### Recommended Signings Below are suggested targets, drawn from transfer rumors, squad needs, and Leeds’ financial capacity, with an emphasis on players who fit Farke’s preference for team-oriented players and can adapt to the Premier League’s demands. #### 1. Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone (Wolves, 32, England) - **Why?**: Johnstone, an experienced Premier League goalkeeper, has been linked with Leeds as a replacement for Meslier. At 32, he offers reliability and leadership, with 36 Premier League appearances for Wolves in 2024-25. His contract situation (expires 2026) could make him a cost-effective signing at around £10-15m. - **Fit**: Johnstone’s shot-stopping and command of the box suit Farke’s high-pressing system, and his experience could stabilize a backline facing Premier League attacks. - **Source**: Football Insider reported Leeds’ interest in Johnstone as part of their goalkeeping overhaul.[](https://www.footballinsider247.com/...line-up-10-new-signings-after-confirmed-news/) *Alternative*: **Caoimhin Kelleher (Liverpool, 26, Ireland)** – Linked with Leeds, Kelleher seeks regular game time, but Liverpool’s £20m+ valuation and his ambition for a bigger club make him a tougher deal.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/leeds-united/dream-leeds-utd-xi-premier-league-survival-six-signings) #### 2. Center-Back: Jhon Lucumi (Bologna, 27, Colombia) - **Why?**: Leeds have scouted Lucumi, a standout Serie A defender known for his ball-playing ability and physicality. At 27, he’s in his prime, and Bologna’s failure to qualify for Europe could make him available for £20-25m. - **Fit**: Lucumi would complement Rodon’s no-nonsense defending, adding composure and distribution to build from the back, aligning with Farke’s possession-based aspirations. - **Source**: Leeds Live noted Leeds’ interest in Lucumi among other Premier League clubs.[](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-about/leeds-united-transfer-news) *Alternative*: **Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille, 26, Argentina)** – Another target, Balerdi’s versatility and Ligue 1 experience make him a strong option, though his price tag could be higher.[](https://motleedsnews.com/category/transfers/) #### 3. Left-Back: Sergio Reguilon (Tottenham, 28, Spain, Free Agent) - **Why?**: With Firpo’s likely exit and Byram’s contract uncertainty, Leeds need a Premier League-proven left-back. Reguilon, a free agent in 2025, has experience at Tottenham and Manchester United, offering attacking flair and defensive solidity for a low-cost, high-impact signing. - **Fit**: Reguilon’s overlapping runs would suit Leeds’ wing-heavy system, and his availability as a free agent aligns with Marathe’s budget-conscious approach. - **Source**: X posts have mentioned Reguilon as a free agent Leeds should target. *Alternative*: **Vladimir Coufal (West Ham, 33, Czech Republic, Free Agent)** – A versatile full-back with Premier League experience, Coufal is another low-risk option.[](https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Championship/Leeds+United/Transfer+News) #### 4. Central Midfielder: James McAtee (Manchester City, 22, England) - **Why?**: Leeds are heavily linked with McAtee, a creative attacking midfielder who has struggled for minutes at Manchester City. His loan spells at Sheffield United showed Premier League quality, and a transfer (likely £15-20m) or loan could be feasible as City look to cash in or develop him further. - **Fit**: McAtee’s vision and flair would add a new dimension to Leeds’ midfield, supporting the attack and easing the creative burden on players like Joel Piroe. - **Source**: Leeds Live and MOT Leeds News reported Leeds’ interest in McAtee.[](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/all-ab...(https://motleedsnews.com/category/transfers/) *Alternative*: **Angel Gomes (Lille, 24, England, Free Agent)** – A free agent in 2025, Gomes’ versatility and Premier League experience (ex-Manchester United) make him a smart pickup, though competition is fierce. #### 5. Striker: Beto (Everton, 27, Portugal) - **Why?**: Leeds are interested in Beto, Everton’s joint-top scorer (7 goals in 2024-25), who offers physicality and aerial presence. With Everton’s financial uncertainty and 15 players out of contract, Beto could be available for £25-30m, though his signing hinges on Everton’s willingness to sell. - **Fit**: Beto’s hold-up play and finishing would complement Leeds’ pacey wingers like Ramazani and Solomon, providing a focal point Farke’s system lacks. - **Source**: Sky Sports and X posts confirmed Leeds’ interest in Beto.[](https://www.skysports.com/football/...-latest-on-deals-signings-loans-and-contracts) *Alternative*: **Jamie Vardy (Leicester, 38, England)** – A short-term, low-cost option, Vardy’s experience and goal-scoring nous could bridge the gap, but his age limits long-term value.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/leeds-united) #### 6. Versatile Forward: Raheem Sterling (Arsenal, on loan from Chelsea, 30, England) - **Why?**: Sterling, currently on loan at Arsenal, has been loosely linked with Leeds as he seeks regular football. His Premier League pedigree (123 goals, 65 assists) and versatility across the front line make him a statement signing, potentially on a loan or cut-price deal (£10-15m) if Chelsea look to offload him. - **Fit**: Sterling’s experience, work rate, and ability to play as a winger or false nine would add leadership and quality, mentoring young attackers like Joseph. - **Source**: X posts mentioned Sterling as a rumored target, though skepticism exists about his fit. *Alternative*: **Manor Solomon (Tottenham, 25, Israel)** – Already on loan at Leeds, Solomon’s permanent signing (est. £15m) after his title-winning contribution is a priority.[](https://motleedsnews.com/category/transfers/) ### Additional Considerations - **Youth and Depth**: Leeds should target young prospects for depth, such as **Orlando Gil** (Torreense, goalkeeper) for the future or **Harry Gray** (Leeds’ own academy star), who’s attracting interest and could be tied down long-term.[](https://motleedsnews.com/category/transfers/) - **Free Agents**: With 30 Premier League free agents available, players like **Eric Dier** (Bayern Munich, 31, England) could provide defensive cover at minimal cost.[](https://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Championship/Leeds+United/Transfer+News) - **Contract Decisions**: Leeds must resolve expiring contracts (Firpo, Byram, Guilavogui in 2025; Bamford, Meslier in 2026) to avoid losing assets for free or weakening squad planning.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5937812/2024/11/29/leeds-united-transfer-latest-2025/) ### Tactical and Financial Strategy - **Budget Allocation**: Leeds’ £100m+ kitty, boosted by £200m+ in Premier League broadcast revenue over three years, allows for 8-10 signings, as Marathe suggested. Prioritize one marquee signing (e.g., Lucumi or Beto) and supplement with loans (e.g., McAtee) and free agents (e.g., Reguilon) to maximize value.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/63...line-up-10-new-signings-after-confirmed-news/) - **Farke’s System**: Farke favors a 4-2-3-1 with high pressing and wing play. Signings like Reguilon and Sterling enhance width, while Lucumi and Johnstone ensure defensive solidity, and McAtee and Beto add attacking thrust. - **Survival Blueprint**: Leeds’ 2020-21 top-half finish shows survival is possible with smart recruitment. Ampadu, Rodon, and Tanaka are Premier League-ready, but adding experience (Johnstone, Sterling) and youth (McAtee, Lucumi) balances short-term stability and long-term growth.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/leeds-united/dream-leeds-utd-xi-premier-league-survival-six-signings) ### Potential Starting XI (2025-26) Assuming key signings and Solomon’s permanent deal: - **GK**: Johnstone - **RB**: Jayden Bogle - **CB**: Rodon, Lucumi - **LB**: Reguilon - **CM**: Ampadu, Tanaka - **AM**: McAtee - **RW**: Solomon - **LW**: Sterling - **ST**: Beto *Bench*: Meslier, Struijk, Byram, Piroe, Ramazani, Joseph, Gnonto ### Risks and Challenges - **Competition**: Targets like Kelleher, McAtee, and Gomes are also wanted by bigger clubs, requiring Leeds to act swiftly and sell their project effectively.[](https://www.teamtalk.com/leeds-united/dream-leeds-utd-xi-premier-league-survival-six-signings) - **Integration**: Adding 10 new faces, as planned, risks disrupting squad cohesion, especially with Farke’s emphasis on team mentality.[](https://www.footballinsider247.com/...line-up-10-new-signings-after-confirmed-news/) - **Relegation Threat**: The struggles of recent promoted sides highlight the gap Leeds must bridge. Overspending or misjudging targets could lead to financial strain under PSR rules.[](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/63...-united-promotion-elland-road-budget-players/) ### Conclusion Leeds United should target a blend of Premier League experience (Johnstone, Reguilon, Sterling), emerging talent (McAtee, Lucumi), and physical presence (Beto) to build a squad capable of surviving and thriving in 2025-26. Free agents and loans maximize their £100m+ budget, while securing Solomon permanently and resolving contract uncertainties (Firpo, Bamford) are priorities. With Farke’s leadership and Marathe’s ambition, Leeds can aim for a mid-table finish, but swift, smart recruitment is essential to avoid the pitfalls of past promoted sides.
According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, the 49ers are now in talks to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of next month to make him a free agent. Bailey told Leeds United News when asked about the full-back: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
He is and Wiki said he has covered LB the report states competition for Bogle Isaac Schmidt is a LB so if Firpo goes I’d imagine we’ll spend money on a new one
