Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League after winning promotion from the Championship at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke.
The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises have already been linked with replacing the Leeds manager ahead of their top flight return due to concerns about his previous record with Norwich City.
In what would be a ruthless call from the Elland Road board, Leeds are also likely to be very busy in the transfer market to bolster their squad with quality on the pitch to remain a Premier League side.
Latest Leeds 2025 summer transfer targets: in pictures
Kalvin Phillips
29
Man City
Manor Solomon
25
Tottenham
Sam Johnstone
32
Wolves
Julian Weigl
29
Borussia Monchengladbach
Evan Ferguson
20
Brighton
Tomas Soucek
30
West Ham
Caoimhin Kelleher
26
Liverpool
Nico Elvedi
28
Borussia Monchengladbach
George Hirst
26
Ipswich Town
Aaron Ramsdale
26
Southampton
Nicolas Raskin
24
Rangers
Hidemasa Morita
29
Sporting CP
Abdoulaye Doucoure
32
Everton
Angus Gunn
29
Norwich City
Tammy Abraham
27
AS Roma
James Trafford
22
Burnley
Djordje Petrovic
25
Chelsea
Modibo Sagnan
26
Montpellier
Zaidu Sanusi
27
FC Porto
Dembo Saidykhan
21
Vancouver Whitecaps
1 Kalvin Phillips Man City
Former Whites midfielder Kalvin Phillips has found life difficult after leaving Leeds for Man City in 2022. Recent loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town haven’t worked out for the defensive midfielder, who could now be on the search for another new club this summer.
Reports have linked Phillips with a return to Leeds, saying that he is keen on the idea of heading back to his boyhood club.
Appearances
234
Goals
14
Assists
13
Yellow cards
54
Red cards
4
Minutes played
18,257
2 Manor Solomon Tottenham
Loanee Manor Solomon has helped Leeds into the Premier League with some crucial displays during the run-in, and he is expected to become a permanent Whites player this summer.
The Israel international could cost around £15m, with claims he is set to be Leeds’ first signing of the window.
3 Sam Johnstone Wolves
A new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier could be high up on the to-do list for Leeds, and Sam Johnstone of Wolves is thought to be of interest at Elland Road.
A goalkeeper with plenty of Premier League experience now after stints with West Brom, Crystal Palace and Wolves, Johnstone was actually on the books of rivals Man Utd early in his career and starred against Leeds back in 2023.
4 Julian Weigl Borussia Monchengladbach
Farke has previously worked with midfielder Julian Weigl at Borussia Monchengladbach and recent claims have suggested that initial contact has taken place over a move to Leeds.
The Monchengladbach captain has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga and has even played in the Champions League, so he could add that extra bit of quality in midfield for the Whites.
5 Evan Ferguson Brighton
With doubts at Leeds over Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford in the Premier League, a new striker looks set to be signed ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brighton’s Evan Ferguson a target.
The Irishman has been on loan at West Ham for the second half of the 2024/25 season, and by the looks of things, Leeds could try their luck with a forward who could be the “next Harry Kane”.
6 Tomas Soucek West Ham
Towering West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek is another Premier League player to be linked with Leeds, especially after falling out of favour under Graham Potter recently.
The Czech Republic international is wanted by Leeds and Everton with the 49ers even willing to pay him a whopping £120,000-a-week, an increase on his current Hammers deal.
Europa Conference League
2023
Czech First League
2017, 2019, 2020
Czech Cup
2018, 2019
7 Caoimhin Kelleher Liverpool
Another goalkeeper who could replace Meslier at Elland Road is Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who could be a man in demand over the coming months.
Kelleher has impressed when called upon at Anfield and may well become number one for the first time in his career in Yorkshire.
Premier League
2020, 2025
Champions League
2019
FA Cup
2022
EFL Cup
2022, 2024
UEFA Super Cup
2019
8 Nico Elvedi Borussia Monchengladbach
Another Borussia Monchengladbach player who Farke knows well is defender Nico Elvedi, who has been with the Bundesliga side since 2015.
Reports claimed that Leeds were preparing a £10m offer to sign the experienced Switzerland international if promotion was secured, something they can now do.
9 George Hirst Ipswich Town
Leeds could look to raid the teams coming down from the Premier League, with recent rumours of a move for Ipswich Town forward George Hirst.
The Tractor Boys are looking to keep the attacker at Portman Road with a new deal due to interest from the Whites and fellow promoted side Burnley.
10 Aaron Ramsdale Southampton
Another Premier League relegated target is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who reportedly has a £25m release clause in his Southampton contract.
The Englishman has admirers from Leeds and the likes of Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest, although he could get regular game time at Elland Road.