A look at Leeds United’s potential starting line-up for the 2026/27 Premier League season - if they sign their transfer targets.
Leeds United impressed in their first season back in the top flight, but now face a challenge that has proven beyond many teams in their position – turning one good season into a long-term place in the Premier League.
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They’ve already taken a solid stride towards that goal with the additions of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemović, but there will likely be some more additions before the transfer window closes – and Daniel Farke’s squad could end up looking rather different by the time they kick the campaign off against Nottingham Forest in a little over two weeks.
With that thought in mind, we’ve taken a look at what Leeds’ starting line-up might look like if they get some of their potential transfers over the line.
Two big-money new signings at the back as Leeds strengthen their squad
Tarik Muharemović is one of two summer signings that Leeds have made so farplaceholder image
Tarik Muharemović is one of two summer signings that Leeds have made so far | Getty Images
GK – James Trafford (£40m): This is a deal that’s still awaiting the rubber stamp at the time of writing, but it’s likely to get over the line as soon as Manchester City secure a new back-up goalkeeper. Trafford was exceptionally impressive for Burnley in the Championship and has a bright future ahead of him – with Leeds set to be the beneficiaries.
LWB – Gabriel Gudmundsson (£10m): We’ve gone for a 3-4-3 formation for this article, reflecting the tactical changes seen in pre-season games and the apparent likelihood that Leeds sign a new left winger to pair with Wilson. New wing-backs don’t appear to be a priority, so Gudmundsson seems set to keep his place for the start of the new season.
CB – Tarik Muharemović (£34m): A ton of teams were interested in the Bosnian defender after a superb campaign in Serie A with Sassuolo, and Leeds pulled off something of a coup in signing the 23-year-old. He was dominant in the air and on the ground in Italy – this could prove to be a very fine deal indeed.
CB – Joe Rodon (£10m): The former Tottenham defender was solid for most of the 2025/26 season and looks to be nailed on for a starting role, likely in the centre of Farke’s back three.
CB – Jaka Bijol (£15m): There’s a definite lack of depth at the back so it wouldn’t be a shock to see another centre-back arrive, especially after the club lost Pascal Struijk to Brighton. As it stands, however, there’s no clear target for the role, and Bijol head into the new season as the likely starter.
RWB – Jayden Bogle (£5m): Bogle enjoyed a fine 2025/26 season and seems likely to have the edge over James Justin – who has played in the centre in pre-season – for a starting berth.
New midfielders and wingers on Leeds shopping list
Igor Paixão was a key Leeds target last summer - and they may have another chance to land him a year onplaceholder image
Igor Paixão was a key Leeds target last summer - and they may have another chance to land him a year on | Getty Images
CM – Anton Stach (£17.5m): Given the relatively budget-friendly transfer fee, Stach ended up looking like one of the best signings of last summer – he’s Leeds’ best playmaker and has made himself indispensable to the side.
CM - Peter Sučić (£51.5m): Depending on who you ask, the Croatian midfielder either isn’t for sale, or Inter Milan simply want far more than Leeds have offered so far – a bid of over £30m was rejected, and some stories suggest that the Italian side want as much as €60m (£51.5m). Whether Leeds would be prepared to pay such a high fee is unclear, but he remains a target and could compete with Ethan Ampadu for a starting role if he does end up making his way to Elland Road.
LW – Igor Paixão (£43m): Leeds pushed for the signing of the Brazilian winger last summer but lost out to Marseille – but they missed out on the Champions League and are now keen to sell some players as a result, meaning that Leeds seemingly have a second chance. Marseille supposedly want €50m (£43m) but there could be some wiggle room. Aston Villa are also interested.
RW – Harry Wilson (free): The Welsh international enjoyed the best season of his career at Craven Cottage last year and Leeds beat off quite a lot of competition to land him on a free transfer after his Fulham contract expired. Another potential coup if he can maintain his recent form.
CF – Liam Delap (£40m): Leeds are one of several Premier League teams chasing Chelsea’s Delap, who has an asking price of £40m and could compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for starting minutes if he’s signed. Whether Leeds will win that particular race remains to be seen – it’s not clear that a new striker is a particular priority.