Leeds United look set for another big summer of recruitment as they aim to build on last season’s 14th-placed Premier League finish. Daniel Farke’s squad needs strengthening with the priority likely to be on attacking quality, albeit extra depth would be welcomed across the board.
Recruitment chiefs will need to get virtually every major decision right this summer but since taking control of transfers at Elland Road, their hit-rate has been impressive. Farke welcomed 10 players into his squad last summer and the majority have become key first-team regulars - but others have struggled a little.
Below, the YEP has graded each of those 10 new arrivals based on their impact across the entire season, with the price-tag factored in. Take a look below to see which pair got an A+ while one disappointing signing got a D.
1. Lucas Perri (£15.6m) - D
There was plenty of excitement over his arrival but those match-winning saves never came, and distribution was a regular problem. The Brazilian was dropped after two errors in January and as things stand, is back up to Karl Darlow. A disappointing one so far.
2. James Justin (£10m) - B
In almost the polar opposite to Perri, the defender's arrival was met with a shrug of the shoulders and it remained that way until the New Year. Went on to start every Premier League game in 2026 across multiple positions, excelling just about everywhere. Close to an A, but for the quiet first few months. | Getty Images
3. Jaka Bijol (£15m) - A
Another who took a little while to get going, his first Premier League appearance coming in late-October, but benefitted massively from the switch to a back three. A colossus in the middle who bullied so many opposition strikers, but also showed great quality on the ball. Farke has since preached the Slovenian's leadership qualities. | Getty Images
4. Sebastiaan Bornauw (£5m) - C
Did what he was likely signed to do in all fairness, covering for the first-choice trio competently without every really challenging to replace them. Leeds didn't lose any of the five Premier League games Bornauw started, but those five starts are the fewest of any summer 2025 arrival. | Getty Images
.jpeg?trim=0,944,521,192&crop=&width=800)
5. Gabriel Gudmundsson (£10m) - A
Left-back has often been a problem area for Leeds but Gudmundsson appeared to solve it instantly. Settled in quickest of all foreign arrivals and played the most minutes too, charging down that left flank at every opportunity. Somehow didn't manage to register a goal or assist, but not for lack of trying. | Getty Images
6. Anton Stach (£17m) - A+
Might have been many people's vote for Player of the Season and understandably so. Five goals and three assists only starts to explain the impact he had in midfield, combining physicality with brilliant technical quality. A top character too and one you feel has plenty more to offer. | Getty Images