Daniel Farke’s Leeds United players are due back at Thorp Arch for pre-season next week as those above the German continue working to strengthen his squad. A trio of physical 26-year-olds have already been welcomed through the door in the form of free agent striker Lukas Nmecha and defensive pair Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw, who cost a combined £20million.
Earlier this week, the YEP reported on interest in Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach who is the latest to join a growing list of physically dominant transfer targets. Leeds are also thought to have Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri on their radar, among other options between the posts, while reports elsewhere have linked them with a huge number of players across Europe.
Leeds have eight weeks of the transfer window remaining and are expected to strengthen further between now and then, with that line-up for their August 18 opener against Everton expected to be very different from the one that beat Plymouth Argyle in May. Below, the YEP has attempted to draw up a strongest possible XI, if those aforementioned rumours prove to be true.
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