Leeds United transfer state of play with imminent exit, talks ongoing and defender liked
Leeds United’s pursuit of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles drags on, an arrival is imminent and so is an exit as a ‘liked’ defender’s name emerges.
The Whites continue to talk to Southampton about a potential deal for Northern Ireland midfielder Shea Charles. The 23-year-old is a player Leeds like for Daniel Farke’s 2026/27 midfield options but as of yet reaching an agreement with the Saints has proved difficult. Details of the process - including the reported arrival at the negotiating table of Crystal Palace - have steadily leaked out ever since Leeds’ first official bid went in but the YEP understands negotiations remain ongoing.
Another negotiation that remains alive is the one between Leeds and the representatives of Julian Brandt. With a contract that expires this month at Borussia Dortmund, Brandt has a number of suitors this summer and could opt to play European football next season. But Leeds are hopeful that they can entice the Germany international to the Premier League and their bid to consolidate top flight status next season.
Club sources insist that all is well with the deal they agreed last week to bring another free agent, Harry Wilson, to Elland Road. The Wales international scored 10 times in the Premier League last season for Fulham and will augment Farke’s attacking options on the right wing and at number 10. He also brings set-piece specialism and vast experience. An announcement is expected in the coming days.
In terms of outgoing business, which fans were told to expect chairman Paraag Marathe in his traditional summer sit down with the local media, Pascal Struijk’s move to Brighton is imminent. The left-sided centre-half will be a difficult man to replace for Leeds given his passing ability off either foot and how well he defended in the Premier League last season. One name that has emerged as a possible replacement is Juventus’ English defender Lloyd Kelly, though the YEP understands he is one of a number of players Leeds like and not one they are actively pursuing right now. Similarly, goalkeeper James Trafford is one of the goalkeepers they admire but there is no movement on that front as it stands.