Leeds United will enter their third summer transfer window under the stewardship of 49ers Enterprises next month and it is comfortably the most exciting one yet. Chairman Paraag Marathe described it as the most important window at Elland Road in decades following promotion and serious money is expected to be spent strengthening Daniel Farke’s squad.
The business done at Elland Road will be put under the microscope and now more than ever, it’s crucial Elland Road chiefs get the vast majority of their decisions right. But in two full years in charge of Leeds, many would agree 49ers Enterprises have generally conducted good transfer business.
Four transfer windows have passed under 49ers and in that time, Leeds have signed 18 first-team players from eight-figure marquee signings to mid-season free agents. Below, the YEP has rated each piece of business to get an idea of what could be to come.
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7. Isaac Schmidt - 3/10
A £2.5m arrival from St Gallen in 2024, Schmidt played just 14 times for Leeds before joining Werder Bremen on loan last summer. Left for Young Boys in a deal worth £2m on Thursday. | Getty Images
8. Sam Byram - 7/10
Byram joined Leeds as a free agent in Farke's first summer and went on to play 70 Championship games across two years - more than anyone expected. The experienced full-back only played twice in the Premier League, however, and is currently a free agent after his contract expired. | Getty Images
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9. Gabriel Gudmundsson - 9/10
The left-back settled in really quickly after his £10m move from LOSC Lille and has become a fan favourite, loved for his bursting runs forward. Feels like there is big potential to keep improving too. | Getty Images
10. James Justin - 8/10
Justin's arrival was met with indifference last summer and he spent the first half of the season on the bench. But the versatile defender didn't miss a Premier League game this calendar year, offering more than capable cover across the entire back line. | Getty Images
11. Joe Rodon - 9/10
The Welshman initially joined on loan in 2023 before a £10m permanent move the following year, and has been virtually ever-present the entire time. Stepped up to the Premier League last season, with only one teammate playing more minutes. | John Walton/PA Wire
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12. Jaka Bijol - 8/10
Another who, like Justin, had to be patient but benefitted massively from Farke's move to a back three. The Slovenian has been touted for a future leadership role too. | Getty Images