Leeds United have the opportunity to cement their place in the Premier League next season, ending their two-year exile from the top-flight after promotion from the Championship.
The Whites will need to invest heavily in the playing squad to hand Daniel Farke the chance to consolidate next year, in what’s likely to be an extremely difficult campaign.
The last six teams who have achieved promotion to such a division have all been relegated the following year, with the German aiming to be the man to buck such a trend.
Farke-Leeds-Championship-Oxford
However, if he is to achieve such a feat, he will need to be brutal with his squad, cutting players out and signing top-level talents to boost his ambitions of achieving his goal.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in identifying players who could bolster the side at Elland Road.
Leeds’ pursuit of new signings this summer
Even though the transfer window isn’t officially open yet, Leeds have already made moves for multiple players to try and provide needed talent and depth to key areas of the squad.
It was reported in recent days that they had made contact to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer, with the 28-year-old’s deal at St Mary’s set to expire at the end of June.
Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters applauds their fans after the match
However, the opposite side of the pitch has also been one of interest, with the Whites earmarking Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas as a summer target, according to the Daily Mail.
The report claims that the Reds are open to allowing the 29-year-old Greek international to depart this summer, potentially moving in a double deal with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher during the off-season.
It also states that he may want to leave Anfield this summer to gain valuable first-team minutes elsewhere after starting just eight league games under Arne Slot in 2024/25.
Why Leeds’ target would be the dream Firpo replacement
Junior Firpo has set the Championship alight this campaign, playing a vital role at both ends of the pitch in the club’s success and ability to claim promotion.
firpo-leeds-farke
The Dominican international featured in 32 league matches this season, registering 14 combined goals and assists, a simply staggering tally for a left-back.
However, the 28-year-old’s future looks up in the air this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June, with no new deal appearing on the horizon.
He’s since been touted with a return to former club Real Betis this summer, which could see his four-year spell in Yorkshire conclude in the coming weeks.
However, whilst supporters would be devastated, they shouldn’t worry, with a deal for the £17m-rated Tsimikas allowing them to forget about the departing full-back.
tsimikas-liverpool
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Liverpool star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas - offering Farke the added quality he’s been searching for in the defensive department.
The Greek star, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one journalist, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has registered more progressive passes and more passes into the final third - highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.
How Tsimikas compares to Firpo in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Progressive passes
Shot-on-target accuracy
Pass accuracy
Passes into the final third
Tackles won
Interceptions made
Stats via FBref
He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate - still handing Farke an excellent attacking option.
However, defensively, Tsimikas has dominated, winning more tackles per 90 and making more interceptions - offering added defensive quality to a backline which will come under huge pressure in the Premier League.
Any deal for the Liverpool ace would be one that could allow for an excellent option at full-back for the manager, also offering him the needed top-flight experience within the squad.
Whilst a new deal for Firpo is something which most supporters want, the 29-year-old offers a superb alternative should the Dominican depart Elland Road this summer.
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