Leeds United take on Manchester United in their first pre-season fixture next Saturday. Daniel Farke's side, fresh after winning promotion to the Premier League, head to Stockholm, Sweden, to face the Reds.
The Whites, who kickstart their top-flight campaign on Monday, August 18, against Everton at Elland Road, lifted the Championship title with a 2-1 win at Plymouth Argyle in May. Despite the success, their starting XI against Man United could look a whole lot different compared to the team that began in Devon.
First of all, Manor Solomon is no longer at the club. The Israel international spent the season on loan in West Yorkshire, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists in 41 matches but has since returned to Tottenham. He is expected to be replaced on the left, though there has been speculation that he could re-sign for Leeds.
While there have been no further departures from the XI that started against Plymouth, a couple of them would be taken out of the 'dream' starting team to face Manchester United next weekend.
Looking at the goalkeeper position, there is no doubt Leeds have got to strengthen in that area if they want to stay in the Premier League. Karl Darlow may have impressed near the back end of the Championship season, but the Whites need to upgrade him ahead of their return to the top flight.
With that in mind, Lyon shot-stopper Lucas Perri is the one that should be targeted. Leeds had been tipped to sign Vanja Milinkovic-Savic from Torino, but Perri has since become the club's priority in that area. The 27-year-old kept 13 clean sheets in 45 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit last season.
Moving to the defensive four, Jayden Bogle would keep his spot at right-back. He deserves another crack at the Premier League following a disappointing stint at Sheffield United in 2020/21 and 2023/24.
In the other full-back role would be new signing Gabriel Gudmundsson, who has arrived in a £10million deal from Lille. The Swede is going to add experience and know-how to Farke's back-line this season.
Slovenian Jaka Bijol would be one of the central defenders after he completed a £15m move from Udinese last month, while Joe Rodon would get the nod ahead of Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk at this stage.
In midfield, Ao Tanaka deserves the chance to see if he can produce in the Premier League after a fine first season in English football and he would be partnered next to another new face.
Leeds have been left frustrated in their pursuit of Sean Longstaff so far, but he would be an excellent addition to the club's midfield. In fact, the 27-year-old would represent a 'dream' signing.
Ahead of Tanaka and Longstaff would be a new addition in the form of Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa. The Argentine has been a long-term target of Farke's and would slot into the No.10 role.
Either side of Buendia would be Daniel James on the right following a stellar Championship season and Jeremie Boga - a sixth alteration to the starting XI. Boga would arrive from Nice for £13m.
There is a good chance that Leeds are going to dip into the market for a No.9 to replace Joel Piroe, but the Dutchman is going to get the nod up front in this team after an outstanding Championship season.
Indeed, Perri, Gudmundsson, Bijol, Longstaff, Buendia and Boga are the six 'dream' players to come into the XI, with Bogle, Rodon, Tanaka, James and Piroe keeping their places from last season.
Dream Leeds XI vs Man United: Perri, Bogle, Rodon, Bijol, Gudmundsson, Longstaff, Tanaka, James, Buendia, Boga, Piroe
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