Leeds United are into their fourth summer transfer window under 49ers Enterprises and things have got off to a promising start. The Whites have already secured free agent winger Harry Wilson, following his Fulham exit, while centre-back Tarik Muharemovic is in West Yorkshire putting the final touches on his £34million move from Sassuolo.
It’s an impressive start from Leeds recruitment chiefs who, particularly with the success of last season’s 14th-place Premier League finish fresh in the memory, are building some real credit. In three full windows under 49ers the success-rate of new signings has been high - but it’s not been perfect.
It would be almost impossible to nail every transfer decision but while there have been some disappointing transfers, others have shone massively. Below, the YEP rates all 30 permanent or loan arrivals over the past three-and-a-bit summer windows with one Elland Road favourite getting a fabled 10/10.
13. Sebastiaan Bornauw - 6/10
Used sparingly by Farke but was solid enough when called upon, without ever seriously challenging the first-team starters. A few moments but as good as you'd expect from a fourth or fifth-choice centre-back. | Getty Images
14. Ethan Ampadu - 10/10
Ampadu is that teammate to have played more minutes and has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water. He bossed opposition midfielders worth 10-times his £7m price-tag at points and a new four-year deal has him closing in on legend status. A proper captain.
15. Josuha Guilavogui - 7/10
Much like Cairns, Guilavogui's on-pitch influence during the 2024/25 campaign was minimal but his value to the squad cannot be underestimated. Known as 'Uncle' by many of the younger players, his experience was crucial during a high-pressure title race. Looked a bit off it when starting FA Cup games, but was usually a steady presence in the final minutes. | Harry Trump/Getty Images Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
16. Ilia Gruev - 7/10
Appeared very much to be a Daniel Farke signing in 2023, given he joined from Bundesliga outfit Werder Bremen, and has regularly been leaned on to steady things in midfield. Maintained a steady level in stepping up to the Premier League but rarely threatened to usurp Ampadu. | Getty Images
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17. Joe Rothwell - 7/10
Provided Leeds with a midfield profile they badly lacked in the 2023/24 season and stepped up alongside Ao Tanaka during the promotion campaign. Loanee was never one for the long-term but, as with Byram and others, a really shrewd signing for the moment. | Getty Images
18. Ao Tanaka - 7/10
Tanaka was close to a 10 following a Championship promotion campaign in which he was truly outstanding, but it's been difficult for him in the Premier League. Had moments but also sat out large parts of the season. Could feasibly be sold this summer, albeit he should generate a decent profit having arrived for around £3m. | Getty Images