Daniel Farke has indicated the club remain active in the market as the transfer deadline approaches. Despite significant outlay this close season, work continues to strengthen the squad further before the window shuts.
The proposed signing of Nico Elvedi will push Leeds United’s gross expenditure beyond the £80million mark, though after accounting for player sales the net spend comes to approximately £50million.
James Trafford represents the headline acquisition of the close season following his £40million switch from Manchester City. The goalkeeper has already demonstrated why he is being hailed as England’s next first-choice keeper, though the campaign is still in its infancy.
Tarik Muharemovic has featured in almost every pre-season fixture, offering hints of his quality after Leeds stumped up £34million to Sassuolo. The 23-year-old’s defensive work, distribution and positional awareness have caught the eye, not forgetting his spectacular acrobatic volley against Augsburg.
Harry Wilson cost nothing in transfer fees, making him a low-risk acquisition, though the club must still cover his salary. He continues to adapt to the tactical demands and wider number 10 positions but has displayed attacking threat and indications that once he settles, things should click into place.
Elvedi is poised to become the fourth newcomer of the window and arrives as cover for Sebastiaan Bornauw, who is departing for Hamburg. This means Leeds should begin the season with four recognised senior centre-halves alongside James Justin in a three-man defensive setup.
However, other positions require attention before the window closes in a fortnight. Three areas take precedence, all sharing a common thread.
Second-choice striker
This appears most urgent. Lukas Nmecha did find the net three times during pre-season, matching Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s tally.
Yet Calvert-Lewin achieved this return across fewer minutes and contributed far more than Nmecha or Joel Piroe in other aspects of the centre-forward role, including holding the ball up and bringing teammates into play. When Calvert-Lewin departs the pitch, the drop in quality is noticeable.
Calvert-Lewin managed to play every Premier League fixture last season following his debut, yet the danger is apparent should he ever miss an extended spell. With Joel Piroe now acknowledging he must seek a move elsewhere, the requirement for a fresh attacking option becomes even more pressing.
Second-choice left-back
Gabriel Gudmundsson’s injury has further exposed this weakness, which was already apparent by last season’s conclusion. James Justin can fill in adequately, though if he is also required to operate at right centre-half, it simply reinforces the need for specialist cover on the left flank.
Leeds require a left-footed player comfortable with the angles demanded on that side. Jayden Lienou represents a long-term option and has performed well during pre-season, but throwing him into that role now would be premature. He has yet to make a competitive first-team appearance.
The challenge here is locating someone prepared to accept reduced playing opportunities in exchange for a squad role. This points toward either a younger talent with more experience than Lienou, or perhaps a more seasoned campaigner. Whatever the solution, it needs to happen soon.
Second-choice goalkeeper
Attention now turns to adding squad depth in reserve roles. The requirement for a new understudy between the posts stems from Lucas Perri’s impending loan move to Torino.
Once again, sourcing a number two is far from straightforward given the even more limited prospects of game time compared to left-back. A temporary deal appears impractical since few goalkeepers would accept such arrangements, unless they are either young prospects or veterans seeking a late-career stint in Premier League football.
A permanent acquisition makes more sense given Perri will likely be sold permanently further down the line with Trafford now established as the clear first choice. In both this instance and at left-back, the frantic activity that characterises the transfer window’s final days could work in Leeds’ favour.
Alternative options
Beyond these three priorities, other areas may warrant attention. Leeds are monitoring left-wing options and Farke has long sought a genuine number 10, a position Wilson does not naturally occupy. The ideal scenario involves finding a 10 capable of operating out wide, similar to Facundo Buonanotte but with greater impact.
Such a signing would give Farke considerably more tactical assurance, whether deploying wingers with a central 10 or using the 3-4-2-1 formation, as demonstrated during Saturday’s second half against Augsburg. In many respects, this could prove the crucial piece of the jigsaw.
Yet Leeds must work within financial constraints and addressing other squad vulnerabilities takes priority. Consequently, while a number 10 holds importance, it may not be deemed essential.
Ideally, an additional centre-half to guard against an injury crisis similar to the one that plagued last season’s end would be sought. However, with Bornauw departing and funds allocated for Elvedi, this now appears unlikely.
Current midfield numbers are adequate, with Brenden Aaronson capable of filling in if necessary, even if not an ideal solution. Other pressing concerns remain. A fortnight represents a long period in football, though not necessarily in the transfer market itself.