After securing Premier League survival last season, the instructions for Leeds United this summer were clear: add quality over quantity to the first-team squad.
Daniel Farke’s side have proven they can disrupt some of the biggest teams in the division, but it will now be important to compete with them regularly.
A push into European soccer must be a goal heading into the 2026/27 season, and recent transfer connections highlight the talent of players the 49ers are targeting during this period.
Players such as Ousmane Diomando and Reus Openda have both been linked with a move to Elland Road, and have been notable players in the Champions League in recent seasons.
The Whites have also agreed to sign star player Harry Wilson, 29, from Fulham on a free transfer. The player will join Wales’ growing squad in Yorkshire.
But Wilson’s impending arrival could be just the beginning of things. Recruitment appears to be in full swing now, with a number of other proven top-level talents gaining attention in recent days.
Leeds prepare to make £8m bid for talent this summer
In an attempt to strengthen various areas of their senior ranks, Leeds have recently strengthened the signings of a number of players, including Southampton midfielder Shay Charles.
Farke’s side have already rejected a £20 million offer for the 22-year-old, who was highly rated after making 31 appearances in England’s second division last season.
Although their efforts have not seemed to bear fruit in recent days, it is reported that a new offer is expected to be made for the youngster in the coming weeks.
However, Charles is not the only player who could be the subject of new offers, with Borussia Mönchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi once again attracting their attention.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are said to be preparing an offer to sign the 29-year-old, who is currently playing for Switzerland at the ongoing World Cup.
According to the newspaper, the player himself is open to a move to Yorkshire this summer after playing under Farke during his time as Bundesliga manager.
Other media outlets have also confirmed that the Whites are interested in signing the centre-back, with an £8m transfer fee being mooted to secure him this summer.
Why Elvedi is a better deal for Leeds than Charles
The reported interest in midfielder Charles from a number of Premier League clubs clearly highlights that he is a player capable of stepping up in each department.
Despite playing in the second tier last season, he gained important experience during Saints’ FA Cup campaign, playing against several teams in England’s top flight.
The Northern Ireland international scored the winning goal against eventual Premier League winners Arsenal, and then highlighted his all-round qualities despite his defensive role.
However, it is currently unclear how much Tonder Eckert’s side will be able to demand for the 22-year-old star after a £20m offer was rejected in recent days.
He would provide a youthful option in the midfield department, but Elvedi’s move would undoubtedly be the bigger coup for Farke and Leeds this window.
The Swiss international has been a consistent performer on the international stage in recent years, going on to amass an impressive 69 caps for his country.
He has also spent the past 11 years in the Bundesliga, making 22 appearances in European competition, and has shown he has the ability to be a consistent star at the top level.
That’s the kind of quality we need at Elland Road this summer, especially if Los Blancos are to develop for the 2025/26 season and reach the next level under Farke’s guidance.
Nico Elvedi – Bundesliga statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (every 90) | tally |
games played | 33 |
goals and assists | 2 |
Pass accuracy | 92% |
accurate long ball | 2.8 |
won a duel | 61% |
Contribution in defense | 11.6 |
The tackle I made | 1.3 |
Clearance has occurred | 8.2 |
A switch to a back three in recent seasons has seen the likes of Joe Rodon, Xhaka Bihor and Pascal Strujk flourish, but significant depth is desperately needed.
Described as “world class” by former coach Eugen Polanski, Elvedi ranked in the top 14% of European defenders in defensive contribution per 90 points last season.
His 8.2 clearances per 90 was the highest of any player in Leeds’ senior ranks, and also placed him in the top 10% of players in Germany’s top flight.
The 29-year-old showed his all-round ability in possession, completing 92% of his pass attempts, of which 2.8 were long balls into the attacking area.
The recent interest in Charles highlights Leeds’ ambition to invest in promising young talent who can flourish in Yorkshire and become a mainstay for many years to come.
However, a deal for Elvedi would give the club the proven talent they need to make an immediate impact at Elland Road and push the team further up the ladder in 2026/27.
£8 million is an incredible amount of business for a player of his quality and experience and could be remembered as one of England’s summer signings.
He’s Calvert-Lewin too: Leeds keen to sign Premier League star
Leeds could re-appoint Lewin against Dominic Calvert this summer.
