Leeds United closed the January transfer window without making a signing on deadline day, leaving Facundo Buonanotte’s loan arrival from Brighton as their sole piece of winter business.
The Whites were keen to strengthen in attack but chose not to get drawn into a bidding war for top target Jorgen Strand Larsen, who instead completed a move to Crystal Palace in a deal that could rise to £48m.
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Leeds were also linked with former Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran. However, the club were happy to sit back on deadline day rather than try to bring in a fresh face
However, the club are already putting plans in place for the summer transfer window, and a top target has already been identified for the Leeds squad.
Leeds United are in the mix for Dortmund left-back Daniel Svensson
Leeds were considering signing a new left-back towards the end of the transfer window before eventually deciding against making a move on deadline day.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is the only recognised player in that role, and James Justin has filled in when the Swede has not been available.
Leeds are planning to bring in left-back cover in the summer, and according to Bild, the Whites have their eyes on Dortmund’s Daniel Svensson as a potential target.
The Bundesliga side initially signed the left-back on loan from Nordsjaelland in February 2025. His performances have caught the attention of several Premier League clubs.
It has been claimed that Arsenal also have their eyes on him, and he could be leaving Dortmund in the summer window under certain conditions.
Dortmund are likely to demand somewhere in the region of £26m for Svensson, which should be affordable for Leeds if they remain a Premier League club.
While Arsenal and Inter Milan have their eyes on him, Leeds are the club that are the most keen to sign him, and have been regularly watching him.
Leeds must get this deal over the line
Gudmundsson returned to the team against Arsenal and completed the full 90 minutes. However, his injury exposed a real problem in the squad.
Justin has been good, but he is not a natural in the role. Leeds need a new left-back or left wing-back in the summer, and Svensson seems like a solid target.
At 23, he is still young and has the potential to develop into a top player. If Dortmund are ready to sell him for around £26m, Leeds would be more than happy to spend that money.
Competition Appearances Goals Assists
Bundesliga 20 1 1
Champions League 7 2 0
DFB-Pokal 3 0 0
Total 30 3 1
Interest from Arsenal is a problem, but it appears to be more of a priority target for the Whites rather than the current Premier League leaders.
Leeds must start work on the deal early and get their ducks in a row to make a concrete move once Premier League survival is confirmed.