Leeds United have unfinished business in the transfer window, with the Villarreal pre-season game highlighting their shortcomings for Daniel Farke.
The German boss knows Leeds United are not ready for Premier League football, despite the 49ers bringing in seven new signings to bolster their ranks ahead of 2025/26.
NameAgeHeightFromPriceLukas Nmecha266ft 1inVfL WolfsburgFreeSebastiaan Bornauw266ft 3inVfL Wolfsburg£5.1mGabriel Gudmundsson265ft 11inLOSC Lille£10.3mJaka Bijol266ft 3inUdinese£15mSean Longstaff276ft 2inNewcastle United£15mLucas Perri276ft 5inOlympique Lyonnais£15.6mAnton Stach266ft 4inHoffenheim£19.9m
While Leeds’ next steps after missing out on Igor Paixao have already been explained, that will not stop them from looking at the ambitious ‘reach’ signings Graham Smyth has previously explained.
Injuries laid bare the depth issues Leeds have at present against Villarreal, with multiple players needed to ensure they have the required quality.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke’s transfer wishlist at Leeds United
Around the time of the arrivals of Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sean Longstaff, we exclusively revealed that Leeds were interested in at least six more signings to finish off their Premier League team.
Perri and Anton Stach have filled two of those, meaning there should be four remaining. That is exactly as Beren Cross sees it, having named the four areas he believes Leeds will sign players before the deadline.
Earlier this month, it was reported that Leeds will now target attacking signings, specifically with a new No.10, a new striker, and a new winger on Farke’s wish list. Speaking to Beren Cross of The Athletic, he explained his thoughts on the squad.
DF: “Started with Ethan, Anton and Sean. Mixed it up second half. Important to be flexible. Not too many offensive options as it stands. Wanted to test it out. Controlled the midfield in periods, against the ball could have been more aware of chip-balls and runs in behind.” #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) August 2, 2025
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Farke explained the need to be flexible. However, he bemoaned the lack of offensive options at the current time. Farke claims to be happy with how the midfield controlled periods but is also wanting more against the ball, as they could have been more aware of chip-balls and runs in behind.
DF: “We have lost our standout player from the second half of last season (Solomon). It is clear we need additions in attack. Daniuel James and Jack Harrison had little issues making them unavailable.” #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) August 2, 2025
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Farke reiterated that Leeds are without Manor Solomon, who was the standout player from the second half of last season. He said: “It is clear we need additions in attack”, especially due to some player availability at present.
DF: “Bogle had a problem with his hip flexor. A bit concerned. Unsure if he will be available for Milan. Have to stay aware in the full-back positions. Need quality there. Outstanding last season and good pre-season so far. Will miss more training.” #lufc
— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) August 2, 2025
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However, it’s not just in attack where Leeds have to add. Farke says they “have to stay aware in the full-back positions” as they “need quality there”. Jayden Bogle was outstanding last season and good in pre-season so far but will now miss more training.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesWho are the most likely players to leave Leeds before the transfer deadline?
Despite their involvement in pre-season, it’s safe to assume that Leeds will be open to offers for the likes of Illan Meslier, Jack Harrison, and Isaac Schmidt.
Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford can also find new clubs, while Darko Gyabi, Joe Gelhardt, and Sam Greenwood can all exit the club either on loan or, preferably, permanently.
Charlie Crew and Sam Chambers are the sorts of players who could head out on loan for more regular football in their development.
Ilia Gruev’s current place in the pecking order makes him more likely and perhaps even susceptible to a sale now. It highlights the amount of work to be done in both incomings and outgoings between now and September.