The last couple of weeks have ended in frustration for Leeds United, just as it looked like Adam Underwood was getting a head of steam up in his first summer as the club’s sporting director.
Underwood has earned praise for pulling off cheap-looking deals for Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson. The trio have cost Leeds just £30m in total, while Lukas Nmecha was a freebie.
But there is plenty more work to be done at Elland Road. The club still need a goalkeeper, two central midfielders, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon on the left wing and a new, big-money striker.
With the first pre-season friendly against Man United on Saturday, it almost feels like Leeds are playing catch-up. Especially, after moves for Sean Longstaff and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic seem to have failed.
Sean Longstaff ahead of Newcastle's clash against Man City.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Leeds miss out to Roma in pursuit of goalscoring midfielder
Leeds’ third bid of £12m for Longstaff was rejected and talks to sign Milinkovic-Savic have stalled, with the 6ft 8in giant preferring a move to Napoli. It is believed the Serbian stopper has agreed to join Napoli.
Now, Leeds fans can add another player to that list. Lens’ goalscoring midfielder Neil El Aynaoui has been linked with a move to Elland Road this month, but it appears Roma are set to sign the Moroccan ace.
A close up image of Vanja Milikovic-Savic ahead of Torino vs Udinese.
Photo by Loris Roselli/NurPhoto via Getty Images
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reported overnight that Roma have agreed a five-year deal with El Aynaoui. He also says that Roma and Lens are in talks over a deal believed to be worth £21.75m.
“Neil El Aynaoui said yes to AS Roma’s five-year deal. Roma and Lens are negotiating on €22m deal plus €3m add-ons. AS Roma have been clear on doing this deal on their conditions or they will move on.”
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🚨🟡🔴 Neil El Aynaoui said yes to AS Roma’s five year deal proposed by the club.
Roma and Lens are negotiating on €22m deal plus €3m add-ons.
AS Roma have been clear on doing this deal on their conditions or they will move on. pic.twitter.com/RVKpwlOGdG
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 14, 2025
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Which other playmakers are on Leeds’ radar this summer?
Graeme Bailey has informed LeedsUnited.News that he believes Leeds will sign either Emi Buendia or Gustavo Hamer, as an improvement and competition for United States star Brenden Aaronson.
Leeds could sign Buendia in a loan deal with an option. More recently, Leeds have been touted with a move for 45-time Turkey star Yusuf Yazici, who is fit again after overcoming an ACL injury in Greece.
Neil El Aynaoui scores for Lens last season.
Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images
After just one outing for Olympiacos in 2024-25, Yazici is being eyed by Leeds and a Ligue 1 side. A risk, but one Leeds have taken in recent history with Manor Solomon. The no.10 position remains a priority.
What is clear, is that Leeds will have to cross El Aynaoui off their list and pursue other targets in the no.10 role. If Leeds will get a player in before the opener against Everton on August 18, remains to be seen.