There has been plenty of talk over the need for a new defender at Leeds United, one that can cover more than just one position in defence and ideally, a player that can cover both full-back positions.
It is believed that Isaac Schmidt is waiting to be able to go on loan to Werder Bremen and that may mean Leeds need more than one at full-back, with Schmidt and injury-prone Sam Byram currently the back-up.
The main target for Leeds has been Leicester City’s James Justin. LeedsUnited.News broke the news that Leeds wanted Leicester’s Justin, but Justin picked up an injury while playing for The Foxes last weekend.
Leicester boss Marti Cifuentes has confirmed Justin’s injury is only a dead leg, but Justin himself has hinted he will remain as he continues to wear the captain’s armband. Leeds are now eyeing another.
James Justin of Leicester City
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Leeds United now interested in signing Bournemouth star
Perhaps, Justin’s stance and Leicester’s desire to keep the full-back has led to Leeds targeting other players. According to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, Leeds are now interested in signing James Hill.
The 23-year-old Bournemouth defender is on the fringes of Andoni Iraola’s squad after The Cherries waved goodbye to a number of defensive options this summer, playing 14 times during 2024-25.
James Hill after Bournemouth's win over Man United.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
According to McAdam, Leeds are interested in bringing the England U21 international to Elland Road. A move that would see Leeds provide cover in every defensive position, given Hill’s impressive versatility.
“Leeds are interested in Bournemouth defender James Hill. Hill has just one year left on his current deal & is admired by Daniel Farke. The 23-year-old plays as a centre-back but can also cover at right-back.”
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Leeds United are interested in Bournemouth defender James Hill.
Hill has just one year left on his current deal & is admired by Daniel Farke.
The 23-year-old plays predominantly as a centre-back but can also cover at right-back.
Leeds are looking to sign a full-back.#LUFC
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) August 21, 2025
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James Hill represented by Ian Harte’s company
Over the years, Leeds legend Ian Harte has used his Elland Road connections to snap up young Leeds talents and represent their futures. One example is Jack Clarke, who is now plying his trade for Ipswich.
SMI Sports Management have more recently taken on Robert Snodgrass as an agent, but interestingly, Bournemouth defender Hill is represented by the company Harte works for, according to TransferMarkt.
Perhaps, that connection between Harte and Leeds could help smooth over a deal that would take Hill to Elland Road. With Hill in the final year of his deal, it is unclear what kind of fee Bournemouth want.