It is September 2024 and the summer window has slammed shut. Angus Kinnear has spoken about Leeds United’s failure to bring in more attacking quality and named Fabio Carvalho as a target.
Leeds entered the 2024-25 season with only one natural playmaker, in the form of Brenden Aaronson. He would go on to start 44 of 46 Championship games, laying on just 11 goals and assists for Daniel Farke.
He admitted at the end of the 2024-25 season that he wanted more attacking depth in the no.10 role and Farke even pleaded with the club to sign a player in that position, towards the end of the January window.
But nothing materialised and it remains the case even now, after the club’s promotion to the Premier League. Leeds failed to sign Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte, it is a perennial issue for Leeds.
However, one player Leeds tried to sign in 2024 has just become available. Angus Kinnear said Leeds wanted to sign Fabio Carvalho after missing out in January 2024, but Carvalho joined Brentford for £27m.
Fabio Carvalho scores for Brentford.
Photo by Ben Peters/MB Media/Getty Images
Fabio Carvalho could become available, he is ideal for Leeds
Carvalho’s move to Brentford has not panned out as he might have hoped. Even with the appointment of a new manager in Keith Andrews, Carvalho’s game time remains limited despite his hefty transfer fee.
Florian Plettenburg now reports that Brentford are willing to let him go out on loan. The Sky Germany reporter makes it clear that a Bundesliga loan is likely for the former Fulham star in the coming months.
He said: “Understand Fábio Carvalho could leave Brentford on loan in the winter to gain more playing time. A return to the Bundesliga is a concrete option. He has played only 96 minutes in the Premier.”
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
🚨🐝 Understand Fábio #Carvalho could leave Brentford on loan in the winter to gain more playing time.
A return to the Bundesliga is a concrete option for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder.
He has played only 96 minutes in the Premier @SkySports 🇵🇹🏴 pic.twitter.com/nsnRqTBcg1
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) October 26, 2025
View Tweet
However, Leeds are known to have an interest and clearly, Farke has sanctioned a move for Carvalho in the past. With Brentford winning games, they may be a level above a relegation fight come January.
While a return to the Bundesliga on loan could be possible for the former Leipzig ace, if Brentford still find themselves above the bottom clubs come January, they could allow him to go on loan to Leeds.
Certainly, Carvalho would be a solid addition for Leeds. He might have struggled for game time but this is a player that can create magic out of nothing from numerous positions. The ideal option off the bench.
Which other attacking midfielders have Leeds been linked with?
Interest in Wales star Wilson remains, with the Fulham star out of contract at the end of the season. It is likely Leeds try and reignite a move for the former Liverpool man, with Wilson keen on a Leeds move.
Elsewhere, Leeds have been touted as an option for Serie A duo Lorenzo Pellegrini and Piotr Zielinski, with Pellegrini in the same boat as Wilson. Zielinski has been deemed a ‘prime candidate’ to leave Inter.
LeedsUnited.News also understands that Adam Underwood has Bodo/Glimt’s Jens Petter Hauge on his list. But any permanent deals depend on the club’s PSR position, and ability to remain in the black.