Leeds United could make some eye-catching signings this summer
Mark Whiley Sports Reporter
07:00, 01 May 2026
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Daniel Farke, Manager of Leeds United, looks on during the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Leeds United at Vitality Stadium on April 22, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
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It's set to be a busy summer for Daniel Farke(Image: Michael Steele, Getty Images)
Leeds United are closing in on another season in the Premier League and will have one eye on summer improvements. Daniel Farke's side were in danger of being drawn into the scrap with Tottenham, West Ham and Nottingham Forest before a five-game unbeaten run hoisted them to 40 points and the brink of safety.
Planning for next season will have already started and despite such a strong end to the campaign, there are issues to sort out. Farke is likely to want to strengthen in all areas of the pitch.
The club spent £100million on new signings last summer and a similar figure could be splurged in the next window, although don't expect £40-50m to be lavished on one player. Here's a look at how the Leeds squad could shape up next season…
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping situation is up in the air, with regular league number one Karl Darlow's contract set to expire at the end of the season. While Darlow could stay on, Illan Meslier is set to leave and he could be joined through the exit door by cup keeper Lucas Perri. Long-serving keeper Alex Cairns' contract is also up in the summer.
Therefore, Leeds will be in the market for at least one new stopper and potentially more. Shakhtar Donetsk's Dmytro Riznyk is said to be a target, with reports in Ukraine claiming that Leeds have tabled an £8.7million offer for the 27-year-old.
Karl Darlow
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Karl Darlow's future is up in the air(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Defenders
Leeds are reportedly in a queue of clubs wanting to snap up Wolves centre-back Santiago Bueno. Crystal Palace, West Ham and Brentford are also keen on the Uruguayan, 27, reports Sport Witness.
The Hammers can forget about it if they lose their relegation battle, as Bueno is keen to stay in the Premier League. He would carry a fee of around £13m, so he falls within Leeds' budget.
Another player linked with the Whites is Union Berlin's Danilho Doekhi. The 27-year-old has emerged as one of the reliable defenders in Europe in recent times, not missing a single minute of action over the past two seasons.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds and Borussia Dortmund are interested in the Dutchman, whose contract with Union expires this summer, making him even more attractive to potential suitors. If Bueno and/or Doekhi arrive, it could lead to Joe Rodon's departure. Full-back Sam Byram, whose contract is set to expire, could also be on his way out.
Santiago Bueno
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Santiago Bueno is keen to stay in the Premier League(Image: Getty Images)
Midfielders
An experienced middleman and a couple of new wide players would be handy, with Largie Ramazani potentially making his loan at Valencia permanent. In the middle, Hidemasa Morita has been linked to Leeds for some time.
His contract at Sporting CP expires this summer, although fans of the Lisbon club have pleaded for him to stay. Morita has been one of Sporting's standout players this season and at the age of 30, this could be his last shot at securing a Premier League move.
Leeds will probably be in the market for wide players, though the type of player could hinge on the system deployed next season, after Farke's formation switch.
The Whites are said to be keeping an eye on Harvey Elliott's situation. Following his bizarre loan to Aston Villa, he is likely to be sold by Liverpool this summer. Could he kick-start his career at Elland Road?
Villa's reluctance to pay the £35m fee that he was close to triggering has led to his lack of game time. That fee will probably drop this summer as his contract ticks down, making him a more viable option for Leeds. Meanwhile, youngster Sam Chambers may benefit from a loan spell.
Harvey Elliott
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Harvey Elliott will be desperate for a fresh start(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Attackers
This is certainly an area Leeds need to strengthen in. The out-of-favour Joel Piroe will probably leave, while loanee Facundo Buonanotte looks unlikely to stay, given his lack of game time. The frustrating Brenden Aaronson could also be moved on.
Leeds are reportedly among a host of clubs watching dynamic Feyenoord striker Ayase Ueda. The Japanese star has scored 26 goals across all competitions this season and will be one of the country's key men at the World Cup. A good tournament could see his rather modest value of around £13m rocket, meaning Leeds would be wise to tie up a deal soon.
Ayase Ueda
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Ayase Ueda has enjoyed a prolific season(Image: Getty Images)
Leeds' dream 2026/27 squad
In summary, Leeds can move on squad players and make signings who can challenge for first-team spots immediately, like Bueno and Doekhi in defence and Morita in midfield, without breaking the bank.
Elliott would be an eye-catching signing following such a troubled loan at Villa. He will be desperate for a fresh start and eager to prove himself. He could provide an extra dash of quality in the final third and supply another new arrival in Ueda.
Here's how the final squad could look:
Goalkeepers: Dmytro Riznyk, Karl Darlow, Darryl Ombang (academy graduate)
Defenders: Santiago Bueno, Danilho Doekhi, Jayden Bogle, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Anton Stach, Sebastiaan Bornauw, James Justin, Pascal Struijk, Jaka Bijol.
Midfielders: Hidemasa Morita, Harvey Elliott, Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev.
Forwards: Ayase Ueda, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto.
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