Leeds United’s 2025/26 Premier League squad will be set in stone until January once the summer transfer window closes in four weeks. Daniel Farke has already welcomed seven new faces through the door but admitted his squad aren’t yet ready for the top-flight, with Saturday’s draw against Villarreal highlighting a few areas that still need strengthening.
The Whites may have missed out on Igor Paixão but they still have ample time to land those ‘difference-maker’ signings Farke needs, with recruitment chiefs hard at work trying to land those attacking reinforcements. Earlier this week, the YEP reported on interest in Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss while Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz is a known target.
Leeds still have every chance of landing top targets in those key positions and in doing so, hope to provide Farke with the quality and depth he needs to avoid relegation. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up a strongest possible line-up, should those targets arrive.
7. CDM: Anton Stach
The 6ft 4ins German was considered one of the Bundesliga's best midfielders last season already looks comfortable and a real step up in quality. Played in a more box-to-box role so far this season but can just as comfortably drop in alongside Ampadu. | Getty Images
8. RW: Bilal El Khannouss
Still a Leicester player going into deadline day but expected to attract plenty of interest and still on Leeds' radar, with attacking creativity needed. Leicester thought to want around £35m, so the question is whether Elland Road chiefs would be willing to stump up the cash. Would link up brilliantly with the overlapping Bogle if indeed he is signed. | Getty Images
9. CAM: Eduard Spertsyan
Named as a possible 'focus' for Leeds before Monday's deadline by The Athletic and would certainly add creativity. The 25-year-old Armenian international already has four goals and seven assists in six games this season and is expected to make the step up to a top European league imminently. Valued by Transfermarkt at around £22m. | AFP via Getty Images
10. LW: Noah Okafor
Leeds confirmed the £18m signing of Okafor earlier this week and with El Khannouss on the right, Farke needs a direct runner down the left for balance, which is why the Swiss international gets the nod over Willy Gnonto in this particular team. Been in the goals throughout pre-season and will hope to replicate that form in Leeds colours. Photo: David Price
11. ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Fitness is the obvious caveat but Calvert-Lewin has proven an excellent Premier League-level striker during nine years at Everton, and has got in some great positions so far this season. With proper service from the likes of El Khannouss and Spertsyan, the 28-year-old could thrive. | Getty Images