Leeds United are gearing up for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, but there is still plenty happening behind the scenes as the club looks to reshape the squad before the transfer window closes.
The Whites remain keen to strengthen a number of positions while also working to move several players on.
Leeds have already agreed a deal to sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach, with the Swiss defender expected to complete the move in the coming hours.
The club are also stepping up their efforts to find new homes for other players, with several departures expected as Leeds look to trim the squad, raise funds and free up space for further additions.
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Daniel Farke is still keen to add a left-sided attacker before the transfer window closes, which is why Leeds United have continued to explore a move for Igor Paixao.
However, another high-profile name has now entered the picture, with Rafael LeĂŁo reportedly offered to Leeds amid growing speculation that he could leave AC Milan this summer.
The Whites are said to have already made an offer for the Portuguese forward, and there has been plenty of support for the idea of bringing him to Elland Road as a potential game-changer before the window closes.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the Portugal forward could still leave AC Milan before the transfer window slams shut on September 2.
Galatasaray and a few Saudi clubs remain keen to sign him and will hold talks with his representatives for a move this summer.
Leeds will need to move quickly if they want to take up this market opportunity and convince Leao to move to Elland Road.
🚨🇵🇹 Understand Saudi clubs in addition to Galatasaray will be in discussions with Rafa Leão’s camp.
His exit from AC Milan, still possible after Fenerbahçe also tried three weeks ago.
🎥➕ https://t.co/XKe3QvALiY pic.twitter.com/3ecsnnxKPi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 17, 2026
Rafael Leao would be a huge signing for Leeds
AC Milan need to make a significant sale this summer to help fund their own transfer plans, and Rafael LeĂŁo is one of the players who could command a substantial fee.
Leeds would reportedly need to pay around ÂŁ40m or more for the winger while also being prepared to meet his wage demands before any deal could happen.
However, the Whites have already shown with the James Trafford transfer that they are willing to spend heavily when they believe the right player can make a major difference.
LeĂŁo would certainly fall into that category. His quality could transform Leeds’ attack and make the kind of sizeable investment required worthwhile.
His arrival could push Noah Okafor further down the pecking order, but Leao is the sort of player Leeds should be willing to spend big on if the opportunity is genuinely there.
Leao and Piaxao were never going to come to Leeds. Price and ‘team- fit’ are not right. The players have all the skills and quality but the attitude and mindset is non negotiable under Farke, and rightly so. The players that can get us more wins are out there, but we need to move fast and wisely to snap them up. Farke builds a team that moves cohesively – mavericks will not be tolerated even though It would nice to see a flair player.