The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.
Additions such as Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.
Daniel Farke has the chance to replicate such success this window, looking to add depth and quality to the squad after their title-winning campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.
daniel farke
The hierarchy have already wasted no time in making new signings, as Lukas Nmecha has already arrived at Elland Road, with a deal for Jaka Bijol set to be announced after completing his medical.
There’s no denying that further reinforcements are needed to hand the Whites the best chance of making the step-up and being competitive in England’s top flight.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions
Over the last couple of days, striker Vladyslav Vanat has emerged as a potential option for Leeds, offering a clinical outlet for the side after netting 17 goals for Dynamo Kyiv this season.
He’s not the only player on their radar this window, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz being a surprise option for Farke, with a loan to buy offer mooted ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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However, moves have been made elsewhere, which has seen Wolves star Hugo Bueno become a key target on their radar, according to Spanish outlet Marca via Sport Witness.
The report claims that he’s set to return from his loan spell at Feyenoord this summer, with the West Midlands outfit evaluating what to do with the Spaniard after the Whites’ interest.
It also states that Farke’s side will face competition from the Dutch side who want to sign him permanently, handing the club and the player a huge decision to make in the coming weeks.
Why Leeds’ latest target would be the perfect Firpo replacement
Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.
Leeds United's Junior Firpo in action with Stoke City's Million Manhoef
The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.
However, winning the time with the Whites appears to be his final contribution for the club, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the month.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he had agreed a three-year deal with Spanish side Real Betis, looking certain to return to his former side after a six-year absence.
The supporters shouldn’t worry about his pending departure, with Bueno offering a superb option for Farke, outperforming the Dominican in numerous key areas.
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The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Wolves’ sporting director Matt Hobbs, has managed more progressive carries and key passes per 90, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered more crosses, handing the talents ahead of him with the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.
How Bueno compares to Firpo in the 2024/25 campaign
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive carries
Pass accuracy
Key passes made
Take-on success
Crosses completed
Tackles won
Blocks made
Stats via FBref
Defensively, he’s also starred, making more tackles per 90, alongside more blocks made - offering an added defensive presence to Farke’s side in the Premier League.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Bueno would set the hierarchy back this window, but given the interest from elsewhere, it’s crucial they work quickly to avoid missing out.
Losing Firpo would be a bitter blow given his form this season, but it’s clear that the Wolves star has more talent and huge potential to improve given his tender age.
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