The Premier League in 2025/26 has seen the vast majority of sides focus on recruiting young talent, but Leeds United are one of the few sides that have benefited from having an experienced spine to the side.
Daniel Farke’s side have an average age of 26 years and four months - the sixth oldest in the division - but it’s allowed them to pull clear of any relegation threat in recent weeks.
During the recent victory over Manchester United, every player that started the encounter was aged 25 or older, with shot-stopper Karl Darlow the oldest at 35.
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However, the goalkeeper was arguably one of the Whites’ star performers, as he made six saves and helped preserve the victory despite a late onslaught from the hosts.
Despite the impact of having experienced options in the ranks, the 49ers appear to have shifted their focus and started to target young prospects ahead of the summer window.
Leeds preparing bid to sign £17m European star
Over the last couple of weeks, Leeds have been just one of numerous Premier League sides touted with a potential move to land Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford this summer.
The 23-year-old has had to play second fiddle to Gianluigi Donnarumma this term, which could result in the England international departing the Etihad in the hunt for more regular minutes.
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However, Farke’s side aren’t alone in the pursuit at present, with the likes of Newcastle United also said to be keen on a deal to land the youngster this summer.
Trafford isn’t the only player on the club’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, with Rennes central midfielder Djaoui Cisse another talent being targeted.
According to Africa Foot, Farke’s men are 'preparing' to make a bid during the summer transfer window to try and prise the 22-year-old away from the French club.
The report also states that Bayer Leverkusen are interested in a move for the Frenchman and are currently said to be leading the race for his signature.
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Any deal could well prove to be a bargain for the Whites, with current employers Rennes valuing Cisse at around £17m ahead of the upcoming window.
Why Cisse would be Farke’s own Raphinha at Leeds
Any player who makes a move to Leeds this summer will have huge expectations to succeed, especially given the levels previously produced at Elland Road by Raphinha.
Raphinha
The Brazilian arrived for a fee in the region of £17m during the summer of 2020, with very few supporters knowing anything about the forward’s qualities.
However, he quickly demonstrated his class to the Whites faithful in Yorkshire, subsequently amassing a total of 30 goal contributions within his 67 appearances for the club.
After keeping the side in the Premier League back in 2021/22, he would subsequently depart for a fee in the region of £55m to join Barcelona - a figure that remains as the club’s record sale.
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He’s since gone on to achieve remarkable feats in Spain - as seen with his tally of 56 combined goals and assists last season - with Farke wishing he had his own version of the Brazilian.
However, a deal for Cisse this summer could see the manager finally get his wish, with the Frenchman potentially emulating the attacker’s switch to Elland Road.
The midfielder may feature in a different position, but he would be joining the Whites from French side Rennes - just as Raphinha did a little under six years ago.
The 22-year-old’s underlying stats from the ongoing campaign highlight his quality, with Farke potentially landing yet another top-class midfield option to his senior ranks.
Djaoui Cisse - Ligue 1 stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Minutes played
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Tackles made
Ground duels won
Ball recoveries
Shots taken
Cisse, who's been dubbed a "monster" by Spencer Mossman, has made 2.9 tackles per 90 so far this campaign, whilst also coming out in 5.1 of the ground duels that he’s per 90 in Ligue 1 to date.
The former of the previously mentioned stats ranks him in the top 15% of all players in France’s top-flight, with his ball-winning ability arguably his best asset.
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He's also managed to make 4.8 ball recoveries per 90, whilst also winning possession back 0.7 times per 90 in the final third - with the midfielder often stepping up the pitch to engage in the press.
However, in possession, the 22-year-old has been just as impressive, subsequently completing 81% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also registering 2.3 shots per 90.
Given the interest from elsewhere in recent weeks, it’s vital that the Leeds hierarchy work tirelessly to avoid missing out on such a young talent for a bargain price.
Should he make the move to Elland Road and get anywhere near the levels of Raphinha, he would be a phenomenal addition and one that would capture the hearts of the fanbase.
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