Leeds United target James Hill in an interview.
(Credit: AFC Bournemouth on Youtube)
Declan Carr
Sat 23 August 2025 13:40, UK
Leeds will struggle to sign Bournemouth defender James Hill.
Daniel Farke is keen for Leeds to bring Hill to Elland Road as he seeks cover in defence, as the 23-year-old can play at centre-back or right-back.
Isaac Schmidt has not convinced at Leeds, and Sam Byram is not good enough to play regularly in the Premier League.
Therefore, they would be left short if Jayden Bogle or Gabriel Gudmundsson are sidelined for a considerable period.
Daniel Farke Leeds United
Farke wants Hill for squad depth at Leeds. (Credit: Imago)
Bournemouth are reluctant to let Leeds target Hill go
Leeds have been linked with a swoop for Hill, but whether they can convince their Premier League rivals to sell is another matter.
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A source with knowledge of the situation told MOT Leeds News that it would be a surprise if the Cherries let Hill leave.
It is believed that it would take a big fee to convince Andoni Iraola’s side to part ways with the versatile defender.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola
Iraola does not want to sell Hill. (Credit: Imago)
Leeds need to move on to alternative targets
It seems as though Iraola will not let Hill leave for cheap, and considering that he will play a backup role in LS11, it is not worth spending a significant sum.
The Whites must move on and find an alternative target that they can secure for decent value rather than overspending on a relatively inexperienced option.
Hill has just 16 top-flight appearances, with the majority of those coming from the bench and just seven starts under his belt.
Came through Fleetwood Town’s academy, stayed with them until 2022
Signed for Bournemouth in 2022 for £1million fee
Spent time on loan with Hearts and Blackburn
The 49ers need to ensure that Farke has the necessary depth in his squad, but it is not a clever move to overpay for somebody who will have little impact on the battle for survival.
The Whites have already shown that they can cut it with the established clubs in the division. After their 1-0 win over Everton on the opening day, they just need a few extra signings.
Hill does not look like being one of them, after the Cherries’ stance on selling him emerged, but that may work out for the best if the Peacocks find a better option in the final week of the transfer window.
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