Leeds United’s transfer activity continues as the club approaches the new season
Welcome to our Leeds United transfer news coverage on Thursday, August 20.
With less than a fortnight remaining in the transfer window, there is still considerable time for arrivals and departures at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s squad will be working hard to strengthen their options and potentially offload some players.
At least three deals are anticipated to be completed shortly, with Nico Elvedi joining from Borussia Monchengladbach while Lucas Perri and Sebastiaan Bornauw prepare to depart the club.
Farke’s team continue pursuing additional signings and could bring in another attacking player, with interest in Igor Paixao – a player the club targeted last summer – still ongoing.
Meanwhile, reports from Denmark suggest the club have inquired about the availability of right-winger Dario Osorio.
Jayden Bogle has committed his future to Leeds United by signing a contract extension that runs until 2030. The full-back joined from Sheffield United in 2024 and made an immediate impact, contributing six goals and five assists in 44 Championship appearances during the title-winning season. His performances earned him recognition in both the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Team of the Year. Last term, the now 26-year-old featured 39 times across all competitions, scoring twice as the club returned to the top flight.
Ross McCormack has made a surprise return to playing by joining non-league club Giffnock North AAC. The former Scotland international had been working as a television pundit in Scotland but is now returning to football. During his time at Leeds, McCormack netted 58 goals and provided 31 assists in 157 appearances.
Italian reports suggest Torino’s president remains reluctant to officially confirm Lucas Perri’s arrival. The former Leeds goalkeeper was expected to move to the Serie A club on loan with an option to purchase, but president Urbano Cairo has not yet approved the deal. It remains unclear why the move has stalled.
Nico Elvedi has expressed his excitement after completing his move to Leeds United, signing a three-year contract. The Switzerland international, who has earned 73 caps for his country, arrives as direct replacement for Sebastiaan Bornauw, who is departing for Hamburg. Leeds paid an initial £6.8million with potential add-ons of £1.7million, bringing their summer spending to around £80million with net expenditure slightly exceeding £50million.
Wrexham, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are considering a move for Leeds forward Lukas Nmecha. The German striker impressed last season with seven Premier League goals in 37 appearances but often found himself behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the starting lineup.
Joe Rodon has also extended his stay at Elland Road, signing a new contract until 2030. The defender joined initially on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 and has become a key figure in Farke’s side. He has spoken of his delight at committing his future to the club, describing Leeds as his second home.
Argentina World Cup star Orlando Gill has been linked with a move to Leeds, though San Lorenzo president Marcelo Culotta has stated no firm offers have been received, though some European clubs have expressed interest in acquiring half his registration rights.
Joel Piroe has completed his move to West Ham United, joining on an initial season-long loan with an obligation to make the transfer permanent in summer 2027 should the Hammers achieve promotion. The 27-year-old Dutch striker, who scored 33 goals across two Championship seasons under Farke, has spoken of his happiness at completing the move and believes he can help West Ham return to the Premier League. The fee is undisclosed but understood to exceed the £10million Leeds paid Swansea City in 2023.
Leeds and Everton are competing for Burnley striker Zian Flemming. The 28-year-old Dutch forward scored 11 goals in 21 Premier League starts for the relegated Clarets last season, with clubs in Italy and the Netherlands also interested.
Danish Superliga side Midtjylland’s Dario Osorio has emerged as a transfer target for Farke’s side, with interest also reported from other Premier League clubs.
Club captain Ethan Ampadu has signed a contract extension through to 2030. The midfielder has expressed his desire to help the club reach European heights and believes the best years of his career lie ahead.
Sebastiaan Bornauw has bid farewell to Leeds supporters as his move to Hamburg SV approaches. The defender joined the German club on a year’s loan with the possibility of returning to Leeds next season.
Leeds begin their Premier League campaign this weekend against Nottingham Forest. According to betting markets, the club faces long odds of 500/1 for the title, though data indicates just 2.07% of total backing for relegation, with Hull City, Ipswich, and Newcastle viewed as greater threats for the drop.
The club has announced ticket arrangements for their away fixture at Brighton on September 5, with digital tickets to be distributed no later than September 1.