Leeds United are advancing towards signing Leicester City full-back James Justin as cover for Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson.
The main focus of Leeds’ late-window business under Daniel Farke has to be his attacking contingent, but depth at full-back looks short as things stand.
Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt are the two backups to Jayden Bogle and summer signing Gabriel Gudmundsson, but Schmidt’s agreement of personal terms for a Werder Bremen loan put the club in a position to search for a replacement.
Leeds United in advanced talks to sign James Justin from Leicester City
Given that Byram is the only nailed-on backup option that Leeds have in their full-back positions, it stood to reason that United would search for a full-back signing that would be able to operate on the left and right equally well.
Leicester City defender James Justin appears the man Leeds have zeroed in on, with Alex Crook reporting on Friday morning that the Whites are close to reaching an agreement with the Foxes:
The one-cap England international captained the Foxes in their opening day victory over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
Justin’s most recent contract extension at the King Power Stadium sees his deal run until the summer of 2026, therefore in the final 12 months and likely to come in at a lesser value as a result.
Isaac Schmidt therefore could leave Leeds United for Werder Bremen
As noted above, Justin’s possible arrival at Leeds comes amidst speculation around Schmidt’s future, having recently agreed personal terms with Werder Bremen – with initial reports sharing that Leeds would only allow his exit if a replacement was brought in.
A straight loan is expected, but the Bundesliga club are hoping to agree an option to buy when Leeds finally sanction the Swiss international’s exit.
Schmidt has been rightly vocal in his frustrations over a lack of playing time since joining Leeds a year ago, eyeing a regular spot in Switzerland’s squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Leeds United could secure shrewd James Justin capture this weekend
Justin is by no means a signing that will get fans superbly excited, but it’s a necessary signing to cover a very important position.
Bogle and Gudmundsson are very good starting options for our position, and Justin’s experience makes him solid cover for both positions.
Beyond signing a full-back, Leeds absolutely have to build on the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.
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