Leeds United have a huge summer ahead as they look to build on an impressive 14th-placed finish upon their Premier League return. Elland Road recruitment chiefs will already be working to identify potential transfer targets with the window set to open tomorrow.
Attacking quality is expected to be the priority for Leeds, who built strong defensive foundations last year. Chairman Paraag Marathe recently told the YEP and other outlets how the bar has been raised for new arrivals, with fewer new faces but of real difference-making quality.
Leeds will also look to sell and by the time they kick off next season, Daniel Farke’s attacking unit could look quite different. Below, the YEP gives its verdict on what could happen, with a couple of big transfers in, four sold and decisions needed on several current stars.
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1. KEEP: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
An absolute no-brainer. Calvert-Lewin proved an incredible piece of business on a free last summer, scoring 14 goals. Should only benefit from a full pre-season this time round too, although competition is needed. | Getty Images
2. KEEP: Lukas Nmecha
Another effective free transfer with six Premier League goals last season - many of them crucial. Nmecha did struggle with some of the hold-up play demands but as a potential third-choice option he's certainly worth keeping on. | Getty Images
3. LOAN/SOLD: Joel Piroe
Didn't start a Premier League game after August and failed to score, with Leeds' move to physicality not benefitting him at all. Joined West Ham on loan and could fetch north of £10m if a permanent obligation is triggered. | Getty Images
4. LOAN: Harry Gray
The 17-year-old impressed on loan at Rotherham and will spend this season at Sheffield Wednesday. Hope is he can keep playing regularly and continue bagging goals. | Getty Images
5. KEEP: Mateo Joseph
The striker's Mallorca loan was cut short with a cruel ACL injury, with a long period of rehab already underway. That will continue with Leeds, although maybe a January move could happen if he's fit. | Getty Images
6. Levante's Spanish forward #19 Carlos Espi Escrihuela celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Betis and Levante UD at Benito Villamarin Stadium in Seville on May 23, 2026. (Photo by CRISTINA QUICLER / AFP via Getty Images)
Carlos Espi is a placeholder here, given he was the only credible link so far this summer before joining Real Madrid, but Leeds need to get a top-end striker who can provide proper competition for Calvert-Lewin. They were ready to commit close to £40m in January and will probably need to do similar. As of yet, there have been no other links with nothing in reports surrounding Liam Delap. | AFP via Getty Images