Leeds United are coming towards the halfway point of their Premier League return and thus far, it would be safe to say their gamble on two free agents has paid off. Lukas Nmecha has impressed with four goals but it’s his strike partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has really shone in recent weeks.
The 28-year-old, who left Everton in the summer with questions over his fitness, hasn’t missed a game since making his Premier League debut in August and a red-hot run of form has seen him bag six goals in his last five appearances. A continuation of this form would see him go down as one of Leeds’ best free transfers in recent history - but possibly not the standout.
As is to be expected, Leeds’ hit-rate in the free agent market has been mixed but while there have been plenty of flops, some huge fan favourites were signed for absolutely nothing. Below, the YEP has attempted to rank the last 18 players to arrive in West Yorkshire for free, as per Transfermarkt, with the in-form Calvert-Lewin kept off top-spot by a club legend.
13. Matt Smith
The towering striker joined Leeds after rejecting a new contract at Oldham in 2013, scoring an impressive 12 goals in 39 Championship games during the 2013/14 campaign. Caught the eye of promotion contenders Fulham the following summer, leaving Elland Road after 12 months for a fee of around £500,000. | Getty Images
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14. Lukas Nmecha
Joined Leeds in the summer just gone following the expiration of his WfL Wolfsburg contract. Scored a penalty on his debut and has four goals in 14 Premier League games so far, dovetailing with another free agent arrival as part of Daniel Farke's 3-5-2 set up. Currently out with a hamstring injury. | Martin Rickett/PA Wire
15. Josuha Guilavogui
Arrived in October last year to ease a midfield injury crisis, but played just 65 minutes of Championship football across 16 substitute appearances. Had a massive impact on an otherwise young dressing room, however, and left a Championship title winner. | Getty Images
16. Sam Byram
Secured a one-year deal in the summer of 2023 after training with Farke's squad and proving his fitness. Played an impressive 34 games before another 36 in 2024/25, having triggered an appearance threshold in his deal. Became a title winner with Leeds and then penned fresh terms again in the summer but has played just once this season and is struggling to make the matchday squad at times. | Getty Images
17. Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Left Everton in the summer and eventually joined Leeds, having reportedly knocked back Champions League interest. Been in scintillating form of late, with six goals in five games taking him up to seven for the season. Calls for an England return intensifying amid the form. | Getty Images
18. Pablo Hernandez
Joined Leeds for free in January 2017 after a brief loan from Al-Arabi, his initial contract only running until the end of that season. Went on to spend five years in West Yorkshire, winning Player of the Season three years running, playing a vital role in promotion under Bielsa and making 16 Premier League appearances. A certified club legend with a city-centre mural of his infamous late winner at Swansea City. | Michael Regan/Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images