Leeds United are about to strike the best bit of business they could possibly do all summer
All the focus among Leeds United supporters is on which players the club will be signing, and how Daniel Farke’s squad will look come August 18 when The Whites host Everton.
Leeds have brought in three new signings this summer. One player that is expected to start in Daniel Farke’s side is £15m centre-back Jaka Bijol. Then, the two other additions are expected to give cover.
Lukas Nmecha has joined on a free from Wolfsburg, while Sebastiaan Bornauw has also arrived from the German side to the tune of £5m. Bornauw’s deal will see Max Wober complete a move to Werder Bremen.
The Whites are expected to make more signings. A new goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon, and a starting striker. But the best deal Leeds could do is already done.
READ MORE: Raphinha reacts to new mural a whisker away from Elland Road
Daniel Farke and Paraag Marathe speak after Leeds win the Championship trophy.
Photo by Harry Trump/Getty Images
Leeds United are about to announce a new contract for star player
Leeds will add some big-money, big-name signings, and of course, recruitment plays a key role in Leeds looking to buck the trend of promoted sides being relegated. Alan Shearer is confident Leeds will do that.
Getting the signings right is important, but keeping the club’s best players is just as important. Leicester suffered relegation, with many pointing towards the exits of Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Dan James looks to find an equaliser for Leeds in defeat at Portsmouth.
Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images
Dan James was Leeds’ best player last season, one of three Championship players picked for the League’s Player of the Season award alongside Burnley and England’s James Trafford, and no.10 Gustavo Hamer.
Reports say Leeds United have now agreed a long-term contract for Dan James. The Welshman is out of contract next summer and it was of utmost importance that the Whites struck a deal to keep the winger.
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Why keeping Dan James is more important than any signing
There are several reasons why keeping James is more important than anything else Leeds could do this summer. The first simply being Leeds retaining control over his future and position over his price tag.
Failure to do so would have seen Leeds had to consider selling their best player on the cheap. Given he cost £25m, selling James with a year left on his deal would have seen Leeds make a loss on the winger.
That, of course, affects PSR. Everton had shown interest and facing James on the opening day would have been demoralising for supporters. Losing Manor Solomon means it is important Leeds keep their wingers.
Thankfully, for those of a Leeds persuasion, James has signed a new long-term deal at Elland Road. A better bit of business from than any potential new signing Adam Underwood and The 49ers could make.
Jack Harrison word emerges from Leeds United as saga rumbles on
Exclusive opinion on Daniel Farke and Jack Harrison at Leeds United.
Expert shares what he has heard about Jack Harrison at Leeds as saga rumbles on
Declan Carr
Wed 13 August 2025 10:55, UK
Jack Harrison may be set to redeem his Leeds United career this season.
The 28-year-old was booed by Elland Road supporters during the pre-season campaign, but that has not deterred Daniel Farke from selecting him.
Harrison spent the last two seasons with Everton in the Premier League, rather than helping the Whites try to return to the top-flight, and many hold that against him.
However, he is back in contention for Farke and has chosen the number 38 shirt for Leeds ahead of the new campaign.
Jack Harrison’s stats away from Leeds United.
Harrison’s stats on loan at Everton. (Credit: Imago)
This article contains exclusive comments from iconic commentator Ian Darke
Harrison word emerges from Leeds after pre-season anger
Harrison is set to be reunited with Everton in the season opener on August 18, provided that he plays a role in the Elland Road contest.
Darke believes that Harrison may have a part to play for the Whites this season, and urged supporters to accept that.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, he said: “I think fans and clubs and players as well have got to sometimes accept there might be a new era.
“It is not going to be easy at Leeds because there is definitely a fair chunk of the fanbase who feel like he turned his back on them when they went down.
“He has got to change perceptions of him, and the only way he is going to do that is on the pitch. I don’t think he is going to be in Leeds’ starting line-up for the new season
“Although the word is, apparently, there have been a lot of sightings of Farke doing work with him, so it does look like he might have some part to play.
“I think the Leeds fans have probably got to just let bygones be bygones, and judge him on how he performs as of now.
“All the word I hear is the guy is a model professional, you know, a pleasure to deal with, extremely popular amongst his teammates wherever he has gone.”
Read More: Leeds may now have a route to sign Manor Solomon, the 49ers have to act quickly though
Elland Road
Leeds fans do not like Harrison at all. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds fans will have to put up with Harrison
Regardless of their strong feelings on the matter, it seems like supporters will have to grit and bear it when Harrison dons the white shirt.
Why some Leeds fans hate Harrison:
Feeling of abandonment: Was expected to be key man in promotion charge, but activated loan clause
Mum’s comments: After a 2-0 win for Everton, his mum commented with an expletive when asked whether he would be back at Leeds
It does not look like he will be leaving, so they will have to forgive him and hope that he can provide some memorable moments in the survival battle.
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