Last summer, Leeds United fans were unhappy about the business the club did in the middle of the window. Over £100 million was spent on targets, but not on attacking players.
It was late in the summer that the Whites added Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Noah Okafor.
Lukas Nmecha was the first signing of the summer, but he initially came in as a backup player. Fans reserved their comments on all the additions to the attack before the season.
But they proved them wrong as the campaign went on.
Calvert-Lewin, Okafor and Nmecha finished as the top three goalscorers in all competitions last season – justifying the decision to sign them.
Graham Smyth reveals Leeds United stance on £21m striker
Earlier this year in January, Leeds’ results were getting concerning especially after Dominic Calvert-Lewin went on a goal drought.
That was when reports emerged that the club were planning on signing a new striker in the summer window. The plan was to bring in a player that could challenge Calvert-Lewin for a starting spot.
Leeds United have made two signings so far; Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
There are plans to add James Trafford, Julian Brandt and Shea Charles in the coming weeks.
Leeds United’s talks with Man City progressing for James Trafford. Still not there quite yet.
The private jet repositioning at LBA was nothing to do with Leeds, as most gathered.
Carlos Espi (Levante) is on the list of strikers they like but no bid/move imminent. #lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 27, 2026
Graham Smyth has now revealed that the Whites have a striker target; Levante forward Carlos Espi. The Leeds journalist claims that the Spaniard is a player that the 49ers admire and is on their list this summer.
However, there are no talks nor any plans for a bid anytime soon.
Carlos Espí, rumbo a la Premier. @marca
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) July 26, 2026
Espi was not involved in Levante’s last pre-season friendly, with journalist Matteo Moretto saying that the 21-year old is on his way to the Premier League.
The striker, who scored 13 goals last season, is said to have a release clause of £21 million.
READ MORE: Leeds end transfer pursuit after major injury concern
A striker is very much needed at Elland Road
Going into next season with a core of Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha is not great.
The Whites need to add more quality if they want to stand a chance of finishing around 14th place again. They have done that so far with the signings of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Goals were a problem in close games for the club last season.
It was the reason Leeds played out a lot of goalless draws in the league.
Carlos Espi might not be the striker the team should sign, but it is a good thing that the club are assessing center forward options.
