Leeds United look set to overhaul the engine room this summer. Daniel Farke could even spend a lot of money in doing so.
We’re bound to see a wave of new faces arrive at Elland Road this summer, in what is going to be a crucial summer for both Leeds United and manager Daniel Farke, whose job could be on the line if this summer’s business doesn’t go accordingly.
But things seem to be ticking along nicely right now. Leeds United have signed Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer to get their summer going, and it looks like Leeds United are set to announce the signing Jaka Bijol in the coming days too.
With a new addition up top and at the back, we could see a midfield signing next, and here we take a look into what Leeds United’s dream midfield could look like next season…
Ethan Ampadu in action for Leeds United.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Ao Tanaka will share the midfield role with Ethan Ampadu
Two key players last season, and two players who’ll surely be important next season are Ao Tanaka and Ethan Ampadu. Leeds United signed Tanaka for just £3.4million from Fortuna Dusseldorf and he was arguably one of the signings of the season in the Championship.
Ampadu meanwhile is an undeniable fan favourite for his contributions on and off the pitch, and his versatility too, often playing at centre-back last season.
Expect Farke to start with one of the two in one of the central midfield positions, providing Ampadu isn’t in defence, with Tanaka potentially playing in games where Leeds need to go and attack and Ampadu in games where Leeds need a bit more steel in the middle.
Douglas Luiz could be Leeds United’s midfield gem
Next to Tanaka of Ampadu could be a marquee signing in former Man City and Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz. Options in the middle are thin on the ground after Joe Rothwell returned to Bournemouth following his loan spell, whilst Ilia Gruev looks like a back up player at most.
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Recent reports have revealed how Leeds United are in the race to sign Luiz from Juventus. It’s also understood that Juve are ready to take a financial hit on Luiz who they paid £42million to sign last summer, with £30million the potential asking price this time round.
Dan James will be the man on the left for Leeds United
Dan James was on fire last season. He was voted Leeds United’s Player of the Season after scoring 12 and assisting nine more in 36 games, putting in his best season in a Leeds shirt and setting himself up for a second crack at the Premier League.
Of the few players who arguably walk into Farke’s 2025/26 line up, James is one of them. There’s no doubting that he starts on the left when Leeds United play Everton on the opening day of the season.
Who fills the no.10 slot for Leeds United this summer?
There’s a few options to fill the no.10 role next season. It’s understood that Farke and the 49ers have agreed that a new name in that position is needed and it means that Brenden Aaronson could leave Leeds United this summer.
There are several names linked: James McAtee is one, and Jack Rudoni at Coventry City another, though Emi Buendia is the one who keeps on being mentioned.
Aston Villa could sell Buendia for as little as £20million this summer. Leeds United are back in the race for his signature after missing out on in January, and after Bayer Leverkusen turned down the chance to sign Buendia on a permanent deal. There’s a growing sense that Buendia and Farke will reunite this summer.
Manor Solomon takes his shirt off in celebration as Leeds Untied defeat Plymouth Argyle.
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Can Leeds United pull off a return for Manor Solomon?
On the right side could be a bit more tricky to predict than the left. But many fans want to see Manor Solomon reclaim that position on a permanent basis, and it seems like Farke is doing his best to make a deal happen.
All year long, Leeds United have been tipped to sign Solomon from Spurs. It’s widely reported that the North London club are ready to cash in on the winger, who scored 10 and assisted 12 more in 39 Championship games last season, with a £20million fee mentioned.
But the change in managers at Spurs is a hindrance. Thomas Frank wants to take a look at Solomon this summer and so Leeds could be forced to wait.