Leeds United manager Daniel Farke, Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe
Leeds United could prioritise defensive reinforcements during the summer transfer window as they continue to climb positions to secure their Premier League status for the next campaign.
Leeds United’s centre-back department has undergone significant change over the past year. Jaka Bijol and Sebastian Bornauw arrived last summer for fees totalling around £20m.
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Joe Rodon remains a trusted figure, while Pascal Struijk remains the only natural left-footed centre-half at the club. James Justin, a natural full-back, has been deployed in a back three recently due to injuries, tactical shape by Daniel Farke.
Yet Farke’s defensive unit still feels like a work in progress. Bijol’s costly error against Chelsea highlighted ongoing questions. Bornauw has been a spectator from the bench most of the season. With the summer window approaching, Leeds are already looking at options.
Leeds eyeing a move for Ross Sykes
Ross Sykes left English football in 2022. He was 24, had spent his entire career at Accrington Stanley, and his move to Union SG was seen as a left-field gamble. Three years later, that gamble has paid off spectacularly.
According to TEAMtalk, the 26-year-old has been “a revelation” in Belgium, developing into a regular starter in Union’s backline. He has played Champions League football already, and now, a growing list of Premier League clubs are convinced he is ready to return to England at a higher level.
Leeds, Everton, Crystal Palace, and his hometown club Burnley have all sent scouts to watch him this season. Coventry City are also monitoring the situation.
Union SG hold a contract until 2027 plus an option for another year, meaning they are in a strong position, but sources suggest they are bracing for approaches.
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Why Leeds are interested in Ross Sykes and what comes next
Sykes stands at a staggering 1.96m. His physicality and aerial dominance are his calling cards, but those who have tracked his progress in Belgium insist his ball-playing ability has improved significantly. For a Leeds side that asks its centre-backs to build from the back in certain games, that will be crucial.
The data also suggests that Sykes is in the midst of having a wonderful season in Belgium
The defender has scored one league goal this season and has an impressive seven clean sheets in 17 league appearances
Sykes also averages 1.5 interceptions per game, alongside 1.1 tackles per game and a monstrous 5.7 clearances per game (Sofascore)
The question, as always, is Premier League survival. Leeds can plan all they want, but convincing a player with Champions League experience to join a Championship club is a different proposition if they go down.
Should Leeds survive the season, however, then they will be in a decent position for the Englishman.
Sykes gives Leeds a defender who dominates his box, wins his duels, and brings calm under pressure. He is 26, entering his prime, and appears ready for the step up. The competition for his signature is fierce, but Leeds are firmly in the conversation.
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