Leeds United might have claimed 100 points on their way to the Championship title but a busy summer is needed if they are to survive in the top-flight. Chairman Paraag Marathe described the upcoming transfer window as the most important in decades at Elland Road, with reinforcements expected across the board.
The summer window is still a couple of weeks from opening but reports of transfer activity are really gathering pace, with fresh links emerging every few days. Which players Leeds decide to pursue remains to be seen but if suggestions of interest in players from Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Sporting CP are to be believed, then it will be a busy few months in West Yorkshire.
Leeds’ starting line-up for their opening-weekend fixture could end up being virtually the same as the one at Plymouth Argyle earlier this month but there could also be a few key changes. And with that in mind, the YEP has attempted to put together a dream-XI, should those aforementioned rumours prove to be accurate.
1. GK: Lucas Perri
Leeds got a deal over the line for Perri earlier this summer and he has come straight in as first-choice. A few early questions so far but the Brazilian should add plenty of experience across the campaign. | Getty Images
2. RB: Jayden Bogle
Earned another shot at the Premier League following an excellent 2024/25 campaign and looked great so far, linking up really well with whoever is ahead of him at right-wing. Test will be how he copes with the world's best wingers running at him, although one-v-one defending has improved a lot. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Ever-present Rodon has earned his shot at Premier League football, having rarely been given a chance at Spurs. Could easily have won Player of the Season and his skillset should translate well in the top-flight. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Leeds confirmed the permanent signing of Bijol in June and he should come into the starting-XI from now onwards. Has looked a real step up on either side of the centre-back pairing and settling in nicely. A huge physical presence. | Getty Images
5. LB: Gabriel Gudmundsson
Like Bijol, the 26-year-old Sweden international is vastly experienced and entering the prime of his career. Has looked impressive so far and should only improve as he adjusts to the Premier League and his new club. | Getty Images
6. CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Has been a huge miss after that opening-weekend win over Everton due to a knee injury, proving once again how important he remains at the base of Farke's midfield. Is expected to remain one of the first names on the teamsheet once he returns. | Getty Images