Paraag Marathe and Daniel Farke
(Credit: Imago)
Niall Togher
Thu 14 August 2025 15:10, UK
Leeds United are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements before their return to the Premier League.
Ahead of their opening game of the season against Everton at Elland Road, Leeds have been tipped to struggle.
Whilst signings like Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach look to be phenomenal pieces of business from the 49ers, major surgery on Leeds’ forward line is still needed.
With Daniel Farke also coming out and sharing this view, Leeds need to act swiftly, and they have an ideal opportunity to bring another marquee signing to West Yorkshire.
Leeds boss Daniel Farke gives a thumbs up
Farke desperately needs attacking reinforcements ahead of next season (Credit: Imago)
Leeds must move quickly to secure Bilal El Khannouss for cut-price fee
Missing out on Igor Paixao could be a blessing in disguise in this transfer window, as the Brazilian winger opted to move to Marseille instead.
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The 49ers‘ recruitment is not done yet, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the verge of joining in a deal that has left Leeds supporters scratching their heads.
Bringing in El Khannouss would be a way to restore some positivity going into the new season, with the 21-year-old Moroccan giving Leeds a much-needed upgrade on Brenden Aaronson in the number ten role.
El Khannouss would give Farke a quality option to allow him to play a 4-2-3-1
The Leicester ace would also be able to play as an advanced eight as part of the three in midfield if Farke sticks to the 4-3-3 he has deployed in pre-season
Farke may also choose to stick him out on the wing
Reports suggest that El Khannouss – described as “special” by Jermaine Beckford when speaking on the When You’re Smiling Podcast earlier this year – has a release clause in the region of around £22.5million, meaning Leeds would be able to secure his services on the cheap.
If Leeds are set that El Khannouss is their man, they must quickly get a deal done before his release clause expires later today, as Leicester will almost certainly raise their asking price for their prized possession.
That means the 49ers now have around 12 hours left to get a deal over the line, if one is indeed even close to being done.
Potential new Leeds star Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin is reportedly on the verge of joining Leeds (Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)
Lack of urgency is extremely concerning from the 49ers
With the departure of Manor Solomon as well as underwhelming additions to be the Whites’ starting striker so far, Leeds’ forward line is arguably worse than last season.
If United want any chance of staying up, big money must be spent on another striker and winger.
If Leeds go into the season expecting Calvert-Lewin, Joel Piroe or Lukas Nmecha to be their main man leading the line, then the club may as well begin preparing for life back in the Championship.
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