After scouts completed their “due diligence”, Leeds United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a Champions League-level midfielder for Daniel Farke this summer.
49ers pushing on after signing Bijol
Back in the Premier League and ready to end the trend of promoted sides heading straight back down to the Championship, Leeds have already welcomed both Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol this summer. The latter, costing around £19m, particularly stands out as one to watch after swapping Udinese for Elland Road in a big-money move.
After putting pen to paper, the central defender told Leeds’ official website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.
“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.
“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”
After Bijol: Leeds join race to sign £17m star who's the new Hernandez
Leeds may finally have their new version of club legend Hernandez
ByJoe Nuttall Jun 25, 2025
Not resting on their laurels, however, the 49ers have since set their sight on further reinforcements such as Habib Diarra who would hand Farke a midfield boost. And it seems as though midfield is the ongoing focus at Elland Road with “due diligence” complete and talks now open to sign a Champions League star this summer.
Leeds open talks to sign Douglas Luiz
According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Leeds have now opened talks to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus this summer as he desperately looks to make his way back to the Premier League just one year on from leaving Aston Villa.
Brown told Football Insider after claiming that Juventus want to sell the Brazilian: “So Leeds may well be interested after speaking to his agent, but they have to know what they’re getting.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
“If they want somebody to get on the ball and help them progress, he can do that. If they want somebody who’s combative and willing to battle in the middle, they’ll look elsewhere. Their scouts will have done their due diligence on him, they’ll know what he can and can’t do, and then it’s up to them to make a decision.”
The former Manchester United scout Luiz as “talented” before revealing Leeds’ talks to secure his signature in the coming months. As signings go, welcoming the former Villa star back to the Premier League would be quite the statement from the 49ers and would instantly negate their need to sign another midfield reinforcement.
Ollie Robinson and Sean Hunt share seven wickets as Sussex build healthy lead
ECB Reporters Network24-Jun-2024
Peter Handscomb continued his prolific County Championship season•Getty Images
Sussex 442 (Simpson 183*, McAndrew 53 Holland 4-64) and 66 for 2 lead Leicestershire 275 (Handscomb 92, Mulder 53, Hunt 4-70) by 233 runsPeter Handscomb continued his fine form with 92 but Leicestershire are up against it against second division leaders Sussex at Hove.The Australian took his tally to 640 runs in this season’s Vitality County Championship, but the visitors lost their last four wickets for 18 runs after Handscomb was seventh out with the score on 257.Left-armer Sean Hunt profited handsomely after switching to bowl down the slope at the 1st Central County Ground, picking up Handscomb, Ben Mike, Scott Currie and Josh Hull in 11 deliveries as Leicestershire were bowled out for 275.It gave Sussex a lead of 167 but they elected not to enforce the follow-on and in 15 overs before stumps they lost Oli Carter – squared up by Ian Holland – and nightwatchmer Jack Carson, closing on 66 for 2 – a lead of 233.The second day had started encouragingly for the Foxes after they took Sussex’s last three first-innings wickets for 11 runs in 23 balls with skipper John Simpson finishing unbeaten on 183, although he was only able to add three runs to his overnight score in a total of 442.Holland finished with 4 for 64 after claiming last man Hunt but his day took a turn for the worse when Ollie Robinson removed him during a high-class new-ball spell of 3 for 23 from eight overs by the England pace bowler.Bowling a fullish length, Robinson found enough movement to find Holland’s edge in his second over. Lewis Hill and Rishi Patel took advantage of some wayward bowling by Hunt before 45 for 1 quickly became 51 for 4. Hill was leg before trying to work Robinson through the leg side and Robinson struck again when he found some extra bounce and Lewis Goldsworthy gave Tom Alsop the first of four catches at slip. In between, Nathan McAndrew picked up the important wicket of Patel who lost his off stump shouldering arms to an in-ducker.Handscomb and Wiaan Mulder rebuilt the innings during a hot afternoon, adding 108 in 20 overs with few alarms although Handscomb had an absorbing battle with fellow Australian McAndrew. Robinson bowled another five-over spell without reward, and it was Fynn Hudson-Prentice who made the breakthrough when Mulder edged the next ball after reaching his fifty low to second slip.Sussex belatedly introduced offspinner Carson in the 50th over and he struck with his 11th delivery, an arm ball which Louis Kimber – who dropped down the order after struggling in the opener’s role – fatally played back to.Simpson dropped a difficult chance offered by Ben Cox on 1 and he and Handscomb put on 57, including five penalty runs awarded by umpires Paul Baldwin and Neil Pratt when Handscomb was hit by an errant throw from James Coles as he turned his back, having stepped out of his crease.Handscomb looked untroubled but Hunt, whose first nine overs cost 62 and included eight no balls, was a totally different proposition when he came back on at the Cromwell Road end.Handscomb made a rare misjudgement playing too far away from his body and giving Alsop an easy catch before Hunt swept away Leicestershire’s tail. Extra bounce defeated Mike’s defensive prod and Simpson took an outstanding one-handed catch diving to his left to remove Scott Currie. In his next over Hunt had Josh Hull leg before and walked off with figures of 4 for 70.
Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad in almost all areas ahead of another Premier League title challenge next season, but up until now we’ve heard precious little in regard to new defenders on their radar.
Arsenal missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid
While a new addition to their backline isn’t exactly reported as a key item on Andrea Berta’s agenda, the Gunners did attempt to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before his high-profile move to Real Madrid.
Star's agents fume over rejected Arsenal bid amid "constant contact"
The Gunners are in touch all of the time.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025
Arsenal were among the elite Premier League clubs attempting to lure the Spaniard, with Liverpool and Chelsea also showing a keen interest before Xabi Alonso’s side ultimately won the race for his signature.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
All three sides were ready to trigger his previous £50 million release clause at one stage, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal also presenting a formal contract offer to Huijsen’s representatives (Cadena SER).
After missing out on Huijsen, Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back appears to have been reduced to Berta’s backburner, with Mikel Arteta already boasting Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel all able to play at the heart of his defence.
A recent new deal for the latter also mitigates the immediate need for another centre-back, and even if AC Milan formalise their interest in Kiwior and sign the Poland international, any new defender would potentially need to accept their role as a back-up option behind Gabriel and Saliba.
There are reports of Arsenal holding discussions over 19-year-old Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, who can play at both left-back and centre-back, and he’d be an ideal alternative to Arteta’s star centre-back duo.
A centre-half doesn’t appear completely off the table, with Lille defender Alexsandro now attracting interest from Berta too.
Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Alexsandro from Lille
The 25-year-old made his first senior appearances for Brazil recently after a fine season in Ligue 1, starting both of their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, and Arsenal have taken note of his exploits in 2025.
According to UOL, Arsenal scouts were present to watch him in action against Paraguay, and Alexsandro is considering an exit from Lille this summer, so he could be available for Berta.
What’s more, Arsenal have made initial contact over signing Alexsandro, and are said to be fans of the defender, but face competition from Serie A champions Napoli.
He has a market value of around £26 million as well, but after his excellent 2024/2025 at Lille, the French side could well demand more after losing both Angel Gomes and Jonathan David for free.
The club might not have made any official announcements yet, but it feels like the transfer window is finally starting to heat up for Arsenal.
It was just last week that reports emerged about Martin Zubimendi’s medical being scheduled, and then this week, a significant number of reports claiming that the club are in concrete talks for Benjamin Sesko started coming out.
The Slovenian international might still be a little raw, but with 27 goal involvements in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig this season, it’s evident that the 22-year-old striker has an immense amount of talent and potential.
So, fans should be excited that recent reports are now linking the club to a player who’d be an ideal teammate and attacking partner for the 6 foot 5 poacher.
Arsenal in the market to sign new winger
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth having a look at some of the other stars linked with Arsenal who could be Sesko’s dream teammates, such as Morgan Rogers and Leroy Sané.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former might cost a staggering £100m, but with 14 goals and 15 assists to his name in 54 games this season, it’s not hard to see why he’d be an ideal partner for the Leipzig star.
With his contract expiring this month, the Bayern Munich star would be a free signing, but don’t let that fool you, as his tally of 13 goals and six assists in 45 games this term shows that he’d still be a winger to pair up with the Slovenian international.
Bayern Munich's LeroySanescores their third goa
However, there is another player who’d be an even better acquisition: Nico Williams.
Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao star.
In fact, alongside London rivals Chelsea, the Italian has revealed that the Spanish international is now the club’s “dream signing.”
However, to make that dream a reality, the North Londoners will have to activate his release clause, which, according to other reports from the last few weeks, stands at about £50m.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
While it wouldn’t be a cheap transfer to get done, it’s one worth pursuing for Arsenal, as Williams is both an incredible talent and someone who’d be a perfect teammate for Sesko.
Why Williams would be perfect for Sesko
There are a couple of reasons why Williams would be such an ideal signing to make alongside Sesko this summer, but the most important one is his output.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliamscelebrates scoring their third goal
For example, in the 23/24 season, the dynamic winger scored eight goals and provided 18 assists in 37 appearances, totalling 2729 minutes.
Then, this season, he managed to score 11 goals and provide seven assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3130 minutes.
Williams’ recent form
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
37
45
Minutes
2729′
3130′
Goals
8
11
Asssists
18
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.70
0.40
Minutes per Goal Involvement
104.96′
173.88′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
In other words, the Pamplona-born “level-raiser,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has been able to average a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or 133.15 minutes, across two campaigns.
Now, just imagine how effective the Leipzig forward could be with a winger capable of such output to his left. Not only would he receive a constant string of chances, but his own assist tally could soar with someone that effective at finishing the chances he’s shown himself capable of creating.
Moreover, as the Spaniard is such an undeniable threat, and with Bukayo Saka on the other flank, opposition defenders would have to find ways to stop all three of them, inevitably leading to more space being available for the former Salzburg gem to exploit.
Finally, signing the Bilbao gem just makes sense from a squad-building perspective, as both he and the Slovenian phenom are 22, so in theory, they’d be able to further develop and reach their full potential in tandem, meaning fans could and should expect their numbers to only improve from here on out.
Ultimately, Sesko looks like he’d be a great addition to Arsenal’s attack, but to help get even more out of him and the frontline as a whole, Arteta and Co should also be pushing to sign Williams.
Arsenal's own Wirtz: Berta now eyeing "one of the best 10s in the world"
The incredibly gifted attacking midfielder would add some much-needed dynamism to Arsenal.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester United are now reportedly shock contenders to sign a struggling player from arch-rivals Manchester City this summer.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that a player has crossed the Manchester divide. The likes of Carlos Tevez and Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel spring to mind in what is a list full of controversy. Tevez’s switch proved to be particularly successful too, with the Argentine winning the Premier League ahead of his former club whilst at The Etihad.
Carlos Tevez’s Record (via Transfermarkt)
At Manchester United
At Manchester City
Appearances
99
148
Goals
34
73
Assists
14
32
Since the talented forward, many have decided against crossing the divide between the two Manchester clubs. The trend isn’t completely dead just yet, however.
Across the last 12 months, as Leroy Sane has deliberated over a new contract with Bayern Munich, Manchester United have reportedly been offered the chance to sign the German winger alongside many others. Sane, of course, enjoyed great success at Manchester City but could now join the Red Devils on a free transfer when the summer arrives.
What is clearer than ever is that the narrative has flipped between the two sides. Whilst in the Schmeichel era, it was the Citizens watching on with envy, hoping to steal Manchester United’s stars, it is now the complete opposite. The Red Devils would likely take several of Pep Guardiola’s stars in a heartbeat at Old Trafford, especially following such a disastrous campaign.
Man Utd set to sell star Amorim texted Ratcliffe about in major overhaul
The Manchester United manager isn’t messing around.
ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025
On course to finish as low as 16th off the back of already losing the Europa League final, Manchester United and Ruben Amorim must get things right this summer. In a desperate position, it could be the perfect time for a Manchester trend to reappear in the transfer window.
Man Utd shock contenders to sign Grealish
According to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, as relayed by GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now shock contenders to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City this summer in a deal that all parties could yet be happy to complete. The former Aston Villa star has struggled to take his place in the spotlight for some time at The Etihad despite taking home over £15m each year in wages, so City would be happy to sell while the player himself wants a regular starting role.
One Manchester club’s trash may well prove to be another’s treasure, then. For all of Grealish’s struggles, he remains a three-time Premier League winner full of the experience that Amorim desperately needs at the heart of his side.
Even though he has failed to break into his strongest side too, Guardiola has shared plenty of praise for Grealish – telling reporters following an impressive performance in the FA Cup against Leyton Orient: “Both wingers have been outstanding; Savinho and Jack were outstanding, they created chances.
“I’m pleased for Jack. Jack has the sense of the street, a player from the street. Most of the players, for our fault – the manager – are so academic. Jack is one of those players that came to fight in these stadiums when the people shout; he is a fighter.”
Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be set to lose one of Daniel Farke’s key men amid reports that a European club have now opened talks in pursuit of his signature.
Leeds United's summer plans after promotion
With the Championship season concluded, and the title secured, Leeds have instantly turned their attention towards the summer transfer window ahead of their Premier League return. Those at Elland Road will be desperate to avoid the same mistakes as those promoted before them in recent years, who instantly suffered relegation, and the ambition of the 49ers may well ensure that they do exactly that.
Big Piroe upgrade: Leeds leading the race to sign "outstanding" PL star
Leeds are leading the race to sign a Premier League star who would be a big upgrade on Joel Piroe.
ByDan Emery May 18, 2025
Chairman Paraag Marathe reiterated the 49ers’ desire to turn Leeds into a top club once again rather than simply just survive in England’s top flight. He told reporters once promotion was sealed: “Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty makes this much more rewarding and makes this so special,” said Marathe on the bus.
“This is a journey and this is not the end. We have to keep going. This is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”
While talk is often cheap, reports suggest that the Leeds owners are ready to put their money where their mouths are this summer, with links to the likes of Kostas Tsimikas already emerging.
The Liverpool left-back has reportedly attracted the interest of those at Elland Road fresh from becoming a Premier League champion at Anfield and could be on the move.
As the Reds’ second-choice behind Andy Robertson, the Greek international may yet decide to call it quits in Merseyside in pursuit of a starting place. Following the latest update on Junior Firpo’s Elland Road future too, Leeds would be an ideal destination this summer.
Lazio in talks to sign Firpo from Leeds
According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Lazio are now in talks to sign Firpo at the end of his current Leeds deal next month. The left-back is in talks over putting pen to paper on a new contract in Yorkshire, but the prospect of his Elland Road exit is now a growing possibility.
AC Milan and Atlético Madrid have also been linked with Firpo, and his agent has offered the left-back to Lazio after meeting sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani.
An experienced defender, who earns more than £3m-a-year at the club, Leeds should feel frustrated by Firpo’s likely exit after securing promotion to the Premier League. It goes without saying, however, that it’s one they must get over quickly before finding an instant replacement.
In what looks like his final season at the club, Firpo received high praise from Farke. The Leeds boss told reporters in September: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.
“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”
Leeds United could spend up to £90m on three more players alongside a potential deal to sign Everton striker Beto this summer.
Beto linked with move to Leeds this summer
Chairman Paraag Marathe has recently confirmed that Daniel Farke will remain as Leeds United manager following promotion to the Premier League, with the Whites lifting the Championship title on the final days.
After a promotion parade through Leeds city centre, attention will soon be on the summer transfer window and what the 49ers Enterprises will do as they look to make Leeds an established top flight club.
Talking about the summer plans, Marathe recently said: “You’ve got to nail your transfers. You’ve got to nail the players that come in that really fit the style of play that you want to have, that fit the club and and play together cohesively.
“I think that’s really important. Some lessons learned from the three years when I was sitting as a vice chairman, watching us do what we did those three years.”
One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days is Beto. Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett shared Leeds’ interest in the Everton forward on Wednesday.
The Yorkshire Evening Post have now added that ‘Leeds could test the Toffees’ resolve with a bid before the June 30 accounting deadline’, and that a sale could be possible ‘if Everton sign a new striker and tie Dominic Calvert-Lewin down to a new deal’.
At this stage, the 27-year-old is Everton’s only senior forward under contract for the 2025/26 season, so a transfer could prove tricky as Leeds look to make their mark early in the window.
Beto’s stats at Everton
Games
68
Goals
14
Assists
2
Minutes played
2,729
Alongside Beto, Sky Sports have shared some further information on where Leeds will look to strengthen ahead of their Premier League return.
Leeds willing to spend £90m on three more players
As per Sky Sports, Leeds are looking to improve the spine of their team by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder alongside a new forward. The 49ers are also ‘willing’ to spend £30m on each position, meaning a £90m spend on three new players along with a striker.
Those areas of the pitch are seen as ‘priorities’ for the Whites and if they manage to get those in, new full-backs and a right-winger could also be targeted, it is added.
There have been previous claims that Leeds and the 49ers will target players with Premier League experience, a category that Beto falls into.
Leeds now readying £6m bid for star defender who's in talks to join Everton
Leeds will send officials to watch him in action this weekend.
ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025
It promises to be a busy and crucial first transfer market for new managing director Robbie Evans and sporting director Adam Underwood and one Leeds will have long been preparing for.
Barcelona and their sporting director Deco have made £120,000-per-week Newcastle United star a top transfer target, according to a recent report.
Newcastle chasing attacking reinforcements this summer
The Magpies still have plenty to play for in what has been a tremendous campaign, as they ended their long wait to lift a trophy. Eddie Howe’s side are still firmly in the race to secure a place in next season’s Champions League, and the hope will be that securing that will help them when it comes to transfers this summer.
Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward
Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2025
The transfer window doesn’t open until the beginning of June, but already, Newcastle are lining up potential arrivals. According to a recent report, Newcastle are interested in a move to sign Alexis Saelemaekers from Italian giants AC Milan. The midfielder has been sent out on loan to AS Roma this season, and on his return at the end of the campaign, he could be allowed to leave, with Milan looking to get around £17 million for his services. His arrival would strengthen a midfield that already has plenty of exciting options.
As well as looking at ways to improve their midfield, Newcastle are also looking at improving their forward line, especially as Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move away from St James’ Park.
According to L’Equipe, Newcastle have made Emanuel Emegha a transfer target, as the forward has been mightily impressive for Strasbourg. The striker is said to be open to a move to England and could be seen as a potential replacement for Isak, should he depart.
Barcelona now choose £120k-p/w Newcastle star to replace De Jong
However, signing a player like Saelemaekers may become more of a priority for the Magpies, as according to a report from Spain, Barcelona now want to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle as a replacement for Frenkie De Jong.
Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota against Sandro Tonali
The report states that Deco is now working on a replacement for De Jong, as while the Dutchman is under contract until the summer of 2026, talks over a new deal are not advancing.
Therefore, he could be moved on by the Spanish giants, and they have identified Tonali as the perfect replacement. It claims that Barça see the Newcastle midfielder as someone who can immediately fit into their system and would be perfect to cover De Jong.
Tonali, who earns £120,000 a week at St James’ Park, has been on Barça’s radar for a while, even before he joined the Magpies. His performances in England for Newcastle have now confirmed to the Spanish giants how good he really is.
Sandro Tonali’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps
31
Starts
23
Goals
3
xG
3.53
Shots per game
0.9
Assists
2
xAG
1.35
Big chances created
2
Key passes
0.4
Tackles per game
1.5
Interceptions per game
0.9
Barça would place Tonali as essential to their midfield plans, but the fact he is under contract until 2028 and is expected to cost a lot of money are two stumbling blocks for Barcelona. However, they are confident that if De Jong doesn’t sign a new contract, it will give them an opportunity to sign Tonali, but this transfer hinges on what happens to the future of De Jong.
Tottenham Hotspur are now fighting to sign “one of the best left-backs in Europe”, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Tottenham eyeing left-back amid Udogie uncertainty
There have been few standout players for Tottenham this season, given what has been a very disappointing Premier League campaign, but Destiny Udogie has clearly done enough to catch the eye.
Manchester City are now pushing to sign the left-back, with new sporting director Hugo Viana believed to be a long-term admirer, although it remains to be seen whether Spurs would be willing to strengthen a direct rival.
Cristian Romero’s future in north London also remains in doubt, with the Lilywhites contacting AFC Bournemouth over Dean Huijsen, who could be brought in as a replacement for the Argentine.
Tottenham in race to sign £74m Premier League star who PSG are in talks for
The transfer would turn a few heads.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025
With a move also potentially on the cards for Udogie, Ange Postecoglou could also be tasked with bringing in a replacement this summer, should the Australian keep his job, and an exciting target has now been identified.
According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are now in the race to sign AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez, but there could be stiff competition for his signature, given that Chelsea and Man City have also expressed an interest.
AC Milan'sTheoHernandezcelebrates
Hernandez’s contract is set to expire in 2026, which means this summer could be Milan’s last opportunity to receive a sizeable fee for his services, with the Frenchman’s value believed to be around £30m.
The 27-year-old is believed to be a key target at left-back, but with a number of top clubs queuing up for his signature, it remains to be seen whether Spurs will be able to lure him to north London.
Hernandez could be "brilliant" addition for Tottenham
It would be fair to say the Milan defender is not enjoying the best of seasons, but journalist Zach Lowy states he has been “one of the best left-backs in Europe over the past decade”, having particularly impressed in an attacking sense.
The France international has chipped in with a remarkable 34 goals and 45 assists in 256 appearances for Milan, during which time he has been lauded as “consistently brilliant” by football writer Carlo Garganese, which indicates this season may just be a blip.
Hernandez has proven he could be a fantastic addition for Tottenham, and £30m could be a bargain fee, given the level of his performances in the Serie A over a number of years.
However, Spurs’ number one priority should be to keep hold of Udogie, which they should be in a strong position to do, given that the 22-year-old is contracted until 2030.
Leeds United know that they could have achieved promotion to the Premier League by Monday night if results go their way over the Easter period.
The Whites are currently five points clear of Sheffield United in third place and will officially be promoted if they win both of their matches and the Blades drop any points in their two games.
Daniel Farke’s side beat Preston North End 2-1 at Elland Road last time out to ensure that they had a healthy gap to third place, and they can now get the job done, with a bit of luck from others, in the next few days.
The Whites would still have plenty of work to do to win the title, as they are currently level on points with Burnley, but the main aim of promotion would have been secured.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
Farke and his staff could, then, start to think about plans for the 2025/26 campaign and how they will build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.
How they set up their midfield in the top-flight, should they get there, will be particularly interesting, given that they currently play with a traditional number ten in Brenden Aaronson.
How Leeds United's midfield could look in the Premier League
The USA international has not done enough this season to suggest that he will be good enough for Leeds to play with an attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system at Premier League level.
Aaronson has consistently failed to offer enough quality at the top end of the pitch against the other teams in the current top six in the Championship, as shown in the table below.
Form against the Championship top six
Brenden Aaronson vs
Goals
Assists
Bristol City (A)
0
0
Burnley (H)
0
0
Sunderland (A)
0
0
Sheffield United (H)
0
0
Coventry (H)
0
0
Coventry (A)
0
0
Burnley (A)
0
0
Sunderland (H)
0
0
Sheffield United (A)
0
0
Stats via Sofascore
Given that the script will flip for Leeds next season, fighting at the bottom end of the table instead of the top, Farke could rework his midfield set-up to play with Ao Tanaka in front of two holding midfielders.
The Japan international has scored four goals and provided two assists in a deep-lying midfield role this season, which suggests that he could offer a threat in the final third, but he has also made 3.6 tackles and interceptions per match, meaning that the midfield star could provide an added layer of defensive protection for the Whites.
This would, then, allow Ethan Ampadu to play as a defensive midfielder alongside another physical enforcer, with Tanaka ahead of them, and showcase his defensive skills, having won 61% of his duels in the Championship this term.
The Wales international can provide a solid presence at the base of the midfield, and Leeds are reportedly interested in a star who could complete the midfield set-up alongside Ampadu and Tanaka.
Leeds eyeing Premier League colossus
According to Claret and Hugh, Leeds are eyeing up a summer swoop to sign West Ham United defensive midfielder Tomas Soucek ahead of the summer transfer window.
Farke is said to be a fan of the Czechia international and has identified him as a possible target for his Premier League squad for next season, if the Whites are promoted.
Claret and Hugh quote a ‘transfer insider’ as revealing that Leeds are looking at both Soucek and Irish forward Evan Ferguson, who is on loan at the London Stadium from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The insider said: “Leeds are planning for next season — Daniel Farke has already started preparations for the summer window. He likes Souček, but there’s already a Premier League offer in for him. I think Leeds like Ferguson too, and he’d get games there.”
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The claim that there is already another Premier League offer in for the former Slavia Prague midfielder suggests that it will not be an easy deal for the 49ers to get over the line, but they should push to bring him in because he could be an excellent addition to the squad to complement Ampadu in midfield.
Why Leeds should sign Tomas Soucek
Soucek provides a mix of physicality, experience, and quality in the middle of the park, having been a regular in the Premier League for the Hammers since his move to London in the summer of 2020.
Despite being a defensive midfielder, the towering colossus has scored 39 goals in 239 appearances in all competitions for West Ham, including 34 goals in 188 Premier League outings.
This means that he has scored even more goals in the Premier League than former Leeds star and current Barcelona superstar Raphinha, who scored 17 goals in 65 top-flight games in England.
Whilst Soucek has played more matches in the division than the Brazil international, his output at the top end of the pitch, compared to the position he plays, makes him a big threat.
This could make him the perfect partner for Ampadu, who has only scored two goals in 82 games for Leeds, to make up for the Welshman’s lack of quality as a goalscorer from midfield.
Soucek, whose defensive determination was described as “magnificent” by Trevor Sinclair, is also a proven Premier League midfielder when it comes do doing the dirty work out of possession.
24/25 Premier League
Per 90
Percentile rank vs midfielders
Clearances
3.01
Top 5%
Aerial duels won
3.98
Top 2%
Percentage of dribblers tackled
50%
Top 40%
Shots blocked
0.67
Top 7%
Blocks
1.38
Top 32%
Challenges lost
0.71
Top 23%
Stats via FBref
As you can see in the table above, the Czechia international ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers in the division in a host of key defensive metrics.
He rarely loses challenges or allows players to dribble past him and is dominant in the box, making clearances and winning aerial duels on a regular basis.
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
Therefore, Soucek could be the perfect signing for Leeds to make in the summer because of his experience in the division, with the best part of 200 appearances in the league, the goal threat he can provide from midfield, and the defensive quality to keep opposition teams at bay.
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Farke would then be able to field a midfield including Soucek and Ampadu at the base with Tanaka ahead of them linking the midfield and the frontline.