Daniel Farke and Leeds United will already be looking ahead to the summer transfer window now that the promotion celebrations have started to die down.
Leeds United have a busy summer ahead after the Whites ‘astounded’ in a record-breaking 2024/25 season. Next year will be much more difficult and recruitment discussions and decisions behind the scenes are being made all the time
The Elland Road hierarchy face a number of major decisions with the Leeds squad this summer. However, questions regarding PSR and how much Leeds can spend this summer remain up for debate.
However, with the transfer window soon open, we have taken a look at a dream XI Leeds could end up with for 2025/26, albeit a realistic one with a rough budget in mind.
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Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images
Leeds’ dream goalkeeper and defensive unit this summer
A number of players have been linked to Leeds already, with some of them named in the defensive portion of our XI here.
Caoimhin Kelleher
The Liverpool no.2 is out of contract next summer and that will hopefully make him more affordable and attainable to a team like Leeds this summer.
Caoimhin Kelleher has been linked to Leeds before but a move could materialise if he is moved further down the pecking order due to Giorgio Mamardashvili. An upgrade in goal is undoubtedly needed and the Irish international would be a significant one.
Jayden Bogle
Leeds need some of their core players of this season to remain and right-back is not a position which needs much work. Jayden Bogle has been outstanding and should perform better than he ever has before in the Premier League with the right tactical framework around him.
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Jaka Bijol
Jaka Bijol is exactly the sort of player Leeds should be eyeing up this summer. The centre-back is a real warrior and leader, with plenty of experience in the top flight of Italian football and the right age in hitting his peak.
He also knows how to defend his box and Leeds will be doing plenty more of that next season, and has the mentality which will suit a scrap. Udinese are regularly in a similar part of the table to what Leeds will be eyeing next term to consolidate.
Joe Rodon or Pascal Struijk
It’s very much a horses for courses situation for his centre-back partner, with Pascal Struijk more of a differential from set-pieces and Joe Rodon more of a pure defender around the box. Both will be vital parts of the team at times.
Facundo Medina
If Leeds are to get the most out of Bogle, then a player at left-back should be a more well-rounded or defensive-minded player. The latter is what we have opted for here in RC Lens’ Facundo Medina.
An athletic player with the ability to operate as centre-back in a back three or a left-back in a four, Medina would add real balance to the team. He is exactly what Leeds need to create situational defensive units which allow Bogle the chance to dominate the whole flank.
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Photo by Stuart Leggett | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Stuart Leggett | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds’ midfield and attack in a dream scenario this summer
Having an attack that can win matches out of nothing is also paramount, but as is ensuring that there is a solid base and spine of the team.
Ao Tanaka or Sean Longstaff
Much like with Rodon and Struijk, Leeds will need a horses for courses approach in midfield for some games next season. Ao Tanaka is magnificent and needed in build-up phases in many games but an alternative player who has more height and out of possession strengths is needed
Sean Longstaff has those attributes in his toolkit. The Newcastle United midfielder has been linked multiple times before. He would add some intensity and bite to Leeds’ midfield in games where they will have less possession than their opposition.
Ethan Ampadu
Leeds’ captain needs to be occupying a role in his best area of the pitch. He will be the heartbeat of the team again, much like the last two seasons. Ethan Ampadu is arguably the club’s most Premier League ready player.
Dodi Lukebakio
Leeds also need a player who can be an outlet to get them out of danger and up the pitch to sustain attacks. Sevilla’s star winger would be expensive but Dodi Lukebakio has the height and hold up play required to do just that.
The powerful and athletic Belgian is tall and speedy, but he has both the end product and the size needed to get Leeds out of trouble in transition or to relieve pressure by holding the ball up against smaller full-backs.
Bilal El Khannouss
Leeds’ issues with Brenden Aaronson are obvious, meaning a playmaker needs to be acquired. Height and size are obvious differentials needed, but a playmaker with set-piece taking ability and flair and vision is also a must.
The Leicester City attacking midfielder is available for £22 million and has ticks plenty of boxes from a Leeds perspective. He may lack the height and size of others but the 21-year-old has bags of potential and resale value as well.
Willy Gnonto
Of course, Leeds could sign Manor Solomon permanently but they also have two left-sided wingers of very high quality. Should they look to spread their resources out, Leeds could instead operate with one of Willy Gnonto or Largie Ramazani on the left.
Nick Woltemade
The majority of Leeds’ budget and resources needs to be put to a centre-forward of serious quality this summer. Their most ambitious signings ought to be at both ends of the pitch to ensure they have strength in both boxes to remain in games.
Nick Woltemade would not be cheap and would certainly be ambitious, given the sheer volume of competition this summer. However, he is perfect for Leeds’ needs and would score the goals to keep them up and be the focal point to be another outlet for the team to relieve pressure.
