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.
13. Sebastiaan Bornauw - 6/10
Used sparingly by Farke but was solid enough when called upon, without ever seriously challenging the first-team starters. A few moments but as good as you'd expect from a fourth or fifth-choice centre-back. | Getty Images
14. Ethan Ampadu - 10/10
Ampadu is that teammate to have played more minutes and has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He bossed opposition midfielders worth 10-times his £7m price-tag at points and a new four-year deal has him closing in on legend status. A proper captain.
15. Josuha Guilavogui - 7/10
Much like Cairns, Guilavogui's on-pitch influence during the 2024/25 campaign was minimal but his value to the squad cannot be underestimated. Known as 'Uncle' by many of the younger players, his experience was crucial during a high-pressure title race. Looked a bit off it when starting FA Cup games, but was usually a steady presence in the final minutes. | Harry Trump/Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
16. Ilia Gruev - 7/10
Appeared very much to be a Daniel Farke signing in 2023, given he joined from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, and has regularly been leaned on to steady things in midfield. Maintained a steady level in stepping up to the Premier League but rarely threatened to usurp Ampadu. | Getty Images
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17. Joe Rothwell - 7/10
Provided Leeds with a midfield profile they badly lacked in the 2023/24 season and stepped up alongside Ao Tanaka during the promotion campaign. Loanee was never one for the long-term but, as with Byram and others, a really shrewd signing for the moment. | Getty Images
18. Ao Tanaka - 7/10
Tanaka was close to a 10 following a Championship promotion campaign in which he was truly outstanding, but it's been difficult for him in the Premier League. Had moments but also sat out large parts of the season. Could feasibly be sold this summer, albeit he should generate a decent profit having arrived for around £3m. | Getty Images