Leeds United have signed seven new players to prepare for the upcoming Premier League season. Some fans have argued the club need more quality if they want to stay up next season.
So far, the Whites have done some smart recruitment. Even though Leeds are yet to hit the £100million mark, they have made some solid signings so far. But as a newly-promoted club, sometimes you need more quality than that to survive.
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Former England star Chris Waddle still thinks Leeds will go down if they do not add more quality:
“Leeds will probably think they shouldn’t be in the relegation battle, but the quality you need in the Premier League isn’t about having two or three good players; you need eight or nine, with legs and technique,” said Waddle (quotes via Leeds Live).
“It’s not easy to find players of that level. When clubs come up and aren’t spending two or three hundred million quid, they haven’t really got a chance.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
Newcastle enter race for Leeds United target
It was reported earlier on Monday that Newcastle have joined the race to sign Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss. The Magpies have not had the best time this summer, as they have missed out on several targets. According to Sacha Tavolieri, they now have their sights set on El Khannouss. Newcastle are having internal discussions over his possible signings.
💰⚫️⚪️ Bilal El Khannouss global release clause’s expected to be on £29M fee still waiting to be confirmed and potentially increased by an additional taxes that has to be confirmed by the FA. #NUFC now discussing internally about #LCFC winger. One to watch. #mercato https://t.co/hPbmRonAgR pic.twitter.com/a4pRWheoJR
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) August 11, 2025
Tavolieri has also reported that the 21-year old’s release clause is set to be confirmed by the Football Association (FA) soon.
Leeds still in the race for El Khannouss
Credit: Imago
Leeds remain in the race, even with Newcastle being major rivals. According to James Marshment, the Whites have been in contact with El Khannouss’ agent for a long time. Leeds have been waiting on a potential deal, and are ready to trigger the release clause.
That’s not to say a deal is totally off the table for us and we may yet triumph. Time will tell…
However, with John Percy confirming Newcastle interest, and given they can offer UCL football, it doesn’t look good for us.
— James Marshment (@marshyleeds) August 11, 2025
But according to Marshment, Khannouss’ camp have delayed a deal to Elland Road and are waiting on better offers. This explains why the deal has delayed.
Champions League pull could prove to be too much
Leeds showed ambition stating their claim to sign El Khannouss very early. But sometimes the allure of a bigger club is too much. Newcastle can offer Champions League football, which could be the decisive factor for the 21-year old attacker.
But as long as a transfer has not officially been announced, Leeds have every chance of making this statement signing.
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