Leeds United desperately needed additions during the summer transfer window if they were to have any chance of securing survival in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.
The hierarchy have already backed manager Daniel Farke during the off-season, making nine additions to the first-team squad, spending nearly £100m in the process.
Noah Okafor is the latest player to make the move to Elland Road this summer, arriving in Yorkshire from Italian giants AC Milan, costing a fee in the region of £18m.
Despite the big money being splashed already this window, further additions are also being lined up ahead of the September 1st deadline to further bolster the chances of top-flight survival.
Experience in such a division will be vital to avoiding an immediate return to the second-tier, leading to multiple players currently plying trade in the Premier League being touted with moves.
daniel farke and scott parker
Leeds targeting numerous Premier League talents this summer
Former loanee Manor Solomon has been on Leeds’ radar constantly this summer, understandably so given his record of 23 goal contributions for the Whites in the promotion-winning campaign.
He could be allowed to depart Tottenham Hotspur this window, opening the door for the 26-year-old to return to Elland Road on a permanent basis before the September 1st deadline.
However, he’s not the only player in England’s top-flight to appear in their sights, with Farke’s men considering a move for Bournemouth star James Hill, according to Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam.
He claimed that the Whites have been tracking a deal for the 23-year-old in recent weeks, potentially making a move for his signature in the coming days.
AFC Bournemouth's James Hill and AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez celebrate after the match
AFC Bournemouth's James Hill and AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez celebrate after the match
It’s also been confirmed that the defender only has one year left on his deal at the Vitality, which could see the Cherries cash in on him to avoid losing him for nothing in 12 months time.
Why Leeds’ latest target would be a repeat of Longstaff
During the current window, Leeds completed a deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, handing needed Premier League experience to the middle of the park.
The Englishman joined the Whites on a four-year deal from the Magpies, costing a fee in the region of £15m - after making 214 appearances for Eddie Howe’s men.
He was utilised off the bench during the opening day win over Everton on Monday night, with his arrival undoubtedly bolstering the squad at Farke’s disposal.
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff
Whilst he didn’t start the win, the 27-year-old will have a huge role to play throughout 2025/26, potentially seeing the hierarchy land a bargain deal if he can replicate his form from 2023/24, which saw him score eight times.
However, the Whites could be about to replicate a move for Longstaff should they pursue a move for Hill, with the Bournemouth ace also able to offer an excellent squad option to the current first-team squad.
The Englishman made 14 appearances for the Cherries in all competitions last season - mainly being the backup for Dean Huijsen and Illia Zabarnyi - who both left for a combined £107m this summer.
Despite his lack of minutes in the Premier League, he managed to produce some impressive numbers, many of which would make him a superb addition to Farke’s outfit.
James Hill's stats for Bournemouth in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Dribbles completed
Tackles won
Duels won
Aerials won
Interceptions made
Stats via FotMob
Hill, who’s been dubbed “outstanding” by one podcast host, achieved a 50% dribble success rate and completed 72% of the passes he attempted - handing the side another option should they want to play out from the back.
The youngster also ranked in the 97th percentile for aerial duels won (3.1) and the 95th percentile for ground duels won (7.1) - offering a dominant presence at the heart of the backline.
His impressive numbers didn’t end there, making 1.8 interceptions per 90 and 1.6 tackles per 90, highlighting his talented ability to regain possession for his side.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Englishman would cost the Whites this summer, but it’s clear from the stats produced that he would improve the options at Farke’s disposal.
LEEDS FARKE
Such a move would replicate a move for Longstaff, potentially being another shrewd addition in the club’s hunt to maintain their Premier League status beyond the 2025/26 campaign.