Leeds United endured a difficult transfer deadline day as they eventually fell short in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements. Elland Road chiefs made a late push for Harry Wilson and even had a flight booked, but club sources told the YEP that after suggesting a deal sheet be submitted, Fulham had a change of heart and pulled out at the last minute.
Daniel Farke was unmistakably clear in his desire to strengthen in forward areas during the window’s final days and previously admitted it would be ‘difficult’ to survive without those additions that never came. But Leeds could still add to their squad via the free agent market, with no deadline for the signing of players with no club.
Admittedly, the pool of free agents is unlikely to be the place where Leeds find their difference-maker but some interesting options are available, including plenty of internationals, a goalscoring Championship promotion hero and a Champions League winner. The YEP rounds up 12 potential options below, as per Transfermarkt.
7. Christian Eriksen
Position: Midfielder | Age: 33 | Former club: Manchester United | Transfermarkt value: £3.5m | YEP verdict: Some way past his best and barely featured for Ruben Amorim's side last season. Has always had a great set-piece on him, however - if only football was like American Football with special teams. | Manchester United via Getty Images
8. Alex Oxlade Chamberlain
Position: Midfielder | Age: 32 | Former club: Besiktas | Transfermarkt value: £1.8m | YEP verdict: Summer links to Leeds are thought to have been wide of the mark, and another who is a long way from his best form at Liverpool. Fitness an obvious concern. | Getty Images
9. Dele Alli
Position: Midfielder | Age: 29 | Former club: Como 1907 | Transfermarkt value: £1.7m | YEP verdict: Joined Como in January but played just once, with an 18-month contract ripped up early. Talent is undoubtedly there but hasn't played more than 15 games in a season since 2021/22. | Getty Images
10. Hakim Ziyech
Position: Winger | Age: 32 | Former club: Al-Duhail | Transfermarkt value: £3.9m | YEP verdict: As a left-footed right-winger, he fits Leeds' positional needs but has dropped off since leaving Chelsea in 2023, where he won the Champions League. Spent last season at Al-Duhail in Qatar, which raises questions over the Moroccan's fitness in relation to the Premier League. | AFP via Getty Images
11. Kelechi Iheanacho
Position: Striker | Age: 28 | Former club: Sevilla | Transfermarkt value: £3.9m | YEP verdict: Joined Sevilla on a free last year but even then-sporting director Victor Orta admitted it was a mistake. A six-month loan at Middlesbrough brought 15 appearances and just one goal. Leeds are also relatively well-stocked upfront, even if the marquee signing was never brought in. Photo: Nigel Roddis
12. Paco Alcacer
Position: Striker | Age: 32 | Former club: Sharjah FC | Transfermarkt value: £2.6m | YEP verdict: As with Iheanacho, Leeds striker group makes another free agent addition unnecessary. A Spanish international who played for Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, but was most recently in the UAE with Sharjah FC. | Getty Images