Others may join them but if the season stopped today, these four have excelled beyond what was initially expected
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
07:00, 19 Feb 2026
James Justin has been excellent
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James Justin has been excellent(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Leeds United brought in 10 players this summer and nearly all of them have had a telling impact on the club’s quest for Premier League survival.
Some have become staples of Daniel Farke’s team from the off while others have benefitted from the change of formation to a back-three system. Leeds spent more than £100m over the summer and it will have been money well spent if the Whites do stay up.
While some signings are still on their journey to find prolonged rhythm, others are at a gallop. At the same time, there are still three months of the season left to play so a lot can still happen. But already, we can perhaps look at four players who have exceeded their summer fee value.
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Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin is the obvious one. He arrived for nothing and has got 10 goals by mid-February - the first time he has hit double figures in five seasons. The striker is doing so well that a return to the England squad is being touted.
The 28-year-old is not only vital to how Leeds play and attack, but his off-field impact has been relayed by Daniel Farke and teammates. A mature head with a lot of experience, the Yorkshireman has become beloved by the Elland Road faithful. What a capture.
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gudmundsson became the third signing of the window arriving from Lille for around £10m. He has been worth every penny of that. The Swede has shown to be studious going both ways and has quickly picked himself up from moments of setback.
Aside from his football intelligence, his consistency is also impressive. It is hard to think of too many games where he has outright struggled. The left-back is a character that is praised highly by club staff for his attitude and application. A real gem has been found.
James Justin
Justin did not get his full Premier League debut for Leeds until late November but has grown into an important player for Farke amid the change to a 3-5-2 system. The £8m arrival has played in a variety of positions across the back line, including right-back, right-centre-back and on the left.
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Not only has he produced some important blocks and tackles in the first third, he has also shown his prowess at the other end with two goals and an assist to his name since the turn of the year. Initially brought in as a back-up, he is now a regular starter and took the armband against Birmingham City.
Lukas Nmecha
Nmecha himself is not exactly a regular but he has undoubtedly been a success. Seven goals as the second-choice striker having arrived for nothing is a great return. It is unfortunate that he has not been able to receive more starts.
The attacker has netted in each of his last three appearances and in five of his last seven starts. The reality is that he will not be moving ahead of Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order any time soon barring injury, but for a free signing Nmecha has undoubtedly been a hit.