20 summer transfer window targets Leeds United are linked with (2025)

Summary

• Leeds are set to make mass changes this summer and could even swap their manager.
• A new goalkeeper will be a priority due to the poor form of Illan Meslier this season.
• Rumors suggest Kalvin Phillips could return while a deal for Manor Solomon is expected to go through.

Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke.

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have already been linked with replacing the Leeds manager ahead of their top flight return due to concerns about his previous record with Norwich City.

In what would be a ruthless call from the Elland Road board, Leeds are also likely to be very busy in the transfer market to bolster their squad with quality on the pitch to remain a Premier League side.

Latest Leeds 2025 summer transfer targets: in pictures

1

Kalvin Phillips

Man City

Former Whites midfielder Kalvin Phillips has found life difficult after leaving Leeds for Man City in 2022. Recent loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town haven’t worked out for the defensive midfielder, who could now be on the search for another new club this summer.

Reports have linked Phillips with a return to Leeds, saying that he is keen on the idea of heading back to his boyhood club.

2

Manor Solomon

Tottenham

Loanee Manor Solomon has helped Leeds into the Premier League with some crucial displays during the run-in, and he is expected to become a permanent Whites player this summer.

The Israel international could cost around £15m, with claims he is set to be Leeds’ first signing of the window.

3

Sam Johnstone

Wolves

A new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier could be high up on the to-do list for Leeds, and Sam Johnstone of Wolves is thought to be of interest at Elland Road.

A goalkeeper with plenty of Premier League experience now after stints with West Brom, Crystal Palace and Wolves, Johnstone was actually on the books of rivals Man Utd early in his career and starred against Leeds back in 2023.

4

Julian Weigl

Borussia Monchengladbach

Farke has previously worked with midfielder Julian Weigl at Borussia Monchengladbach and recent claims have suggested that initial contact has taken place over a move to Leeds.

The Monchengladbach captain has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and has even played in the Champions League, so he could add that extra bit of quality in midfield for the Whites.

5

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

With doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the Premier League, a new striker looks set to be signed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson a target.

The Irishman has been on loan at West Ham for the second half of the 2024/25 season, and by the looks of things, Leeds could try their luck with a forward who could be the “next Harry Kane”.

6

Tomas Soucek

West Ham

Towering West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is another Premier League player to be linked with Leeds, especially after falling out of favour under Graham Potter recently.

The Czech Republic international is wanted by Leeds and Everton with the 49ers even willing to pay him a whopping £120,000-a-week, an increase on his current Hammers deal.

7

Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool

Another goalkeeper who could replace Meslier at Elland Road is Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be a man in demand over the coming months.

Kelleher has impressed when called upon at Anfield and may well become number one for the first time in his career in Yorkshire.

8

Nico Elvedi

Borussia Monchengladbach

Another Borussia Monchengladbach player who Farke knows well is defender Nico Elvedi, who has been with the Bundesliga side since 2015.

Reports claimed that Leeds were preparing a £10m offer to sign the experienced Switzerland international if promotion was secured, something they can now do.

9

George Hirst

Ipswich Town

Leeds could look to raid the teams coming down from the Premier League, with recent rumours of a move for Ipswich Town forward George Hirst.

The Tractor Boys are looking to keep the attacker at Portman Road with a new deal due to interest from the Whites and fellow promoted side Burnley.

10

Aaron Ramsdale

Southampton

Another Premier League relegated target is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who reportedly has a £25m release clause in his Southampton contract.

The Englishman has admirers from Leeds and the likes of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, although he could get regular game time at Elland Road.

11

Nicolas Raskin

Rangers

With the 49ers Enterprises agreeing a deal to take over at Rangers, Leeds and those at Ibrox could do business for midfielder Nicolas Raskin.

Thought to be valued at more than £20m, the Belgium international has been starring in Scotland, and he is open to the idea of playing regularly for a “big club” ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

12

Hidemasa Morita

Sporting CP

One of Leeds’ signings of the season has been Ao Tanaka, and his Japan teammate Hidemasa Morita is thought to be on the Elland Road wishlist.

Currently at Sporting CP, Morita is also a versatile central midfielder so could form a partnership with Tanaka in Yorkshire.

13

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton

On course to become a free agent as things stand this summer is Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The 32-year-old has recently been linked with Leeds and there have been claims a move is ‘getting closer’. Doucoure is currently Everton’s top earner on £130,000-a-week.

14

Angus Gunn

Norwich City

A player who Farke has worked with before is Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, and he is also on course to become a free agent over the coming weeks.

The Whites are thought to be ready to sign the 29-year-old who Farke hailed during his time at Carrow Road, although it remains to be seen if Gunn is seen as a new first-choice keeper or back up option.

15

Tammy Abraham

AS Roma

With firepower likely needed this summer, Leeds have also been linked with a move to sign Tammy Abraham.

Currently on loan at AC Milan from AS Roma, Abraham has plenty of experience in the Premier League and could return to England with the Whites.

16

James Trafford

Burnley

James Trafford has been one of the standout performers in the Championship, helping Burnley break the record for the fewest number of goals conceded in a 46-game second tier season.

However, Trafford has surprisingly been linked with a move to Elland Road despite Burnley getting promoted, with the Whites feeling he could be attainable.

17

Djordje Petrovic

Chelsea

Another goalkeeper target for Leeds is Djordje Petrovic, who has been impressing under Liam Rosenior for Strasbourg this season.

On the books at Chelsea, Petrovic is 25 years of age so if the Blues are happy to send him out again, perhaps getting Premier League experience at Leeds could appeal to all.

18

Modibo Sagnan

Montpellier

A replacement for Max Wober could be on the cards over the coming moths, with the defender not really breaking into Farke’s plans at Leeds.

Modibo Sagnan of Montpellier may well be the man to replace Wober if he moves on, with Leeds considering a £3.5m bid.

19

Zaidu Sanusi

FC Porto

A new left-back for Leeds could be required, with Junior Firpo out of contract at Elland Road this summer.

FC Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi has been heavily linked with Leeds and there were claims a €2m offer was being readied for the Nigeria international.

20

Dembo Saidykhan

Vancouver Whitecaps

Recent rumours have stated that Leeds and Wolves are racing to sign 21-year-old defender Dembo Saidykhan for a bargain fee ahead of the new season.

A cheap deal could be on the cards due to Saidykhan’s contract with the Vancouver Whitecaps set to expire at the end of 2026.