Leeds United are preparing to blood at least three new signings when they face Nottingham Forest in their upcoming league fixture.
The West Yorkshire club’s summer recruitment drive will be on full display as several high-profile arrivals are poised for their first competitive appearances.
James Trafford will take his place between the posts after his move from Manchester City, a transfer that shattered the club’s previous record by reaching £40 million.
The England youth international is expected to immediately establish himself as the first-choice goalkeeper under manager Daniel Farke.
Tarik Muharemovic, whose acquisition from Bayern Munich cost the club £34 million, will slot into the defensive line.
The Bosnia international is set to form part of a three-man central defence alongside Joe Rodon and Jaka Bijol.
Both Rodon and Bijol have been elevated into the vice-captaincy structure for the forthcoming campaign, with Muharemovic named in the leadership group despite his recent arrival.
Jayden Bogle, who committed his future to the club this week by signing an extended contract, will occupy the right wing-back position in the formation.
James Justin, another player included in the leadership group, will begin at left-back after Gabriel Gudmundsson was ruled out with the hamstring problem he sustained during the tour of the United States.
Gudmundsson is also anticipated to miss the subsequent fixture against Brentford.
In central midfield, captain Ethan Ampadu will be partnered by Anton Stach.
The German midfielder had been managing an ankle injury sustained in May, which curtailed his pre-season preparations, though he demonstrated his quality in the recent encounter with Augsburg.
The pairing that started that match is expected to be repeated.
Harry Wilson and Brenden Aaronson, who both joined during the current transfer window, will operate in the number ten positions flanking lone striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Wilson arrived on a free transfer, representing the most economical of the club’s summer signings.
Noah Okafor is not in contention for a starting role as he continues to build his fitness following a late return to pre-season training after Switzerland’s progress to the World Cup quarter-finals in 2022.
The forward could potentially feature from the substitutes’ bench.
Swiss defender Nico Elvedi, who completed his move to the club earlier this week, may be included among the replacements.
Having completed a full pre-season schedule with his former employers, he is likely to begin his Elland Road career providing defensive cover initially.
Wilfried Gnonto remains unavailable as he recovers from his hamstring complaint.
However, Ilia Gruev could take his place among the substitutes for the first time since returning to full training, having had to carefully manage a meniscus knee injury that required surgery in March.
The anticipated starting lineup for the Forest encounter comprises Trafford in goal, Rodon, Bijol and Muharemovic forming the back three, with Bogle and Justin operating as wing-backs flanking midfielders Ampadu and Stach.
Wilson and Aaronson will support Calvert-Lewin in the attacking positions.