Leeds United started planning for the summer transfer window many, many months ago. There has been a big shift in their approach since securing promotion to the Premier League.
The focus in the Championship was on signing good, technical players who were comfortable with the ball at their feet. It was all about control and imposing their will on the opposition. It worked a treat as the Whites racked up 100 points to win the title.
Smart recruitment will be crucial to their success in the top flight. Three strong, physically imposing footballers have so far come through the door to boost the options at Daniel Farke's disposal. The Whites also hold an interest in Hoffenheim's 6ft 4ins midfielder Anton Stach.
Things can quickly before their league opener at home to Everton on August, 18. More incomings and outgoings are expected at Elland Road as Farke continues to reshape his squad.
But what is United's best XI as things stand? Karl Darlow ended the 2024/25 season in between the sticks, conceding just three goals in the final seven matches. The Wales international gets the nod ahead of Illan Meslier and Alex Cairns.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has been identified as a direct replacement for Junior Firpo at left-back. The Sweden international is on the brink of joining United and will add more defensive stability. Jayden Bogle is an automatic pick on the right side following his stellar first year at the club.
There are some difficult calls to be made at centre-back. Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw are competing for two starting spots. Rodon barely put a foot wrong last year and deserves an opportunity to prove his Premier League credentials.
Given United have forked out £15m for Bijol's services, it is hard to imagine him starting the season on the bench. He looks in pole position to play alongside Rodon.
Skipper Ethan Ampadu looks nailed on to start in central midfield, leaving Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev to fight it out for the other spot. Tanaka, a crowd favourite, established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet last term.
There is no debate who lines up on the right flank. Daniel James has made the position his own. For United to stand any chance of staying up, James will need to hit top form on a regular basis.
USA international Brenden Aaronson is the Whites' only recognised option in the No 10 position. With Manor Solomon now back at Tottenham Hotspur, it looks a straight choice between Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison for the left wing berth. It is a big year for Gnonto and a real opportunity for him to show everyone that the Premier League is where he belongs.
Lukas Nmecha has joined on a free transfer to beef up their attack. Does he lead the line? Probably not. The chances are Nmecha will have to bide his time, with Farke likely to keep faith with Joel Piroe in the No 9 role.
United's best XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow; Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson; Ampadu, Tanaka; James, Aaronson, Gnonto; Piroe.
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