Last summer, Leeds United made a bulk of their transfers in the middle of pre-season. But this time around, the approach was more methodical, with the club not doing wide spending sprees.
Harry Wilson was the first arrival of the summer, with him joining as a free agent.
Leeds also worked fast when Pascal Struijk joined Brighton in a move that shocked many. The Whites were able to pull off a huge deal for one of Serie A’s best young defenders; Tarik Muharemovic.
Then the club got to work, getting a record deal for James Trafford over the line.
Nico Elvedi came to Elland Road, with Sebastiaan Bornauw having agreed a loan move to HSV.
Adam Pope reveals details concerning Leeds United transfer
Melvin Bard. Credit: LUFC
After Elvedi arrived, things seemed to be moving too slowly at Elland Road. Leeds United then started their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Michael Zetter, which was long and drawn out.
They eventually landed a move for the 31-year old.
And then in the final week of the window, things kicked into gear; between the weekend and Tuesday’s deadline, the club brought in two new players – two arriving on deadline day.
Melvin Bard joined on loan from OGC Nice, and Jean-Matteo Bahoya signed from Frankfurt.
The deal for the French forward came as a shock to many, with the Whites having been in the race for Mykhailo Mudryk before he chose to join Spurs.
Bahoya has joined the Whites on a season-long loan, with initial reports indicating that there is a buy option. But it has since been confirmed that the move comes with an obligation to buy for £19.75 million with £2.58 million in add-ons.
Conditional obligation is how we understand it based around appearances.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) September 2, 2026
Adam Pope has now confirmed that the conditions for the obligation are based on appearances. No word as to how many appearances he will need to make to trigger the clause, but it is likely to be low.
READ MORE: Deadline day signing makes honest admission after joining Leeds United
Why Jean-Matteo Bahoya is yet to be unveiled
Jean-Matteo Bahoya’s deal has been confirmed by the club, but he is yet to be announced.
Melvin Bard, who was also signed on deadline day, has already been picture in the Leeds kit and has done his media duties. Adam Pope has also addressed why the new French star is yet to be in the club’s media.
Late deal is all.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) September 2, 2026
According to Pope, the transfer was done late, which means the player is yet to do his interview and media duties.
Leeds United social media announced the transfer 45 minutes past midnight, which means the club were working on his paperwork to get the deal over the line. He will do his media duties soon enough.
