With the 2025/26 season over and Premier League survival secured, Leeds United are now fully focused on their plans for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Daniel Farke admitted after the defeat at West Ham that he is tired and will be going on a break in the coming days. However, behind-the-scenes work is underway to bring in new signings.
Leeds are looking to bring in upgrades in certain areas of the squad to not only increase the depth but also improve the starting eleven ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The club are looking to bring in more midfield reinforcements and have now been linked with reviving their interest in a long-term midfield target this summer.
Shea Charles remains a target for Leeds United
Southampton’s Shea Charles has been a long-term target for Leeds, and the 22-year-old’s future is uncertain after the Spygate scandal at St. Mary’s.
Leeds considered securing a deal for him last summer, but opted against making a move. However, they remain interested in the midfielder ahead of the next window.
According to Football Insider, Leeds could revive their interest and take advantage of Southampton’s situation to take Charles to Elland Road this summer.
The 22-year-old midfielder is seen as a long-term solution for Leeds’ midfield, and the club are considering getting their hands on him.
Charles has been one of the best defensive midfielders in the Championship this season and is expected to play in the Premier League at some point.
He is vastly experienced for his age and has 33 international caps to his name for Northern Ireland.
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke said, “Leeds have held a long-term interest in Shea Charles.
“They considered a move for him last summer following his impressive spell on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, so I’m sure they will continue to keep tabs on the defensive midfielder.
“If Charles seeks a move away from St Mary’s this summer, I think there’ll be a wide open race for him, and Leeds are just one of probably several clubs who would be interested in the Northern Ireland International.”
Leeds may need to sell a midfielder
Injuries to Anton Stach, Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff meant Leeds looked short of midfield options on the final day of the season at West Ham.
However, it is one area of the squad they look well-stocked once the players return from their injuries in the summer and for pre-season training.
If Leeds are indeed looking to add to their midfield, they will have to sell a player to make space in their squad and wage bill for further midfield additions.
Ethan Ampadu and Stach look unsellable, and Ao Tanaka has done enough in the last couple of months to show his value to the squad.
It seems one of Gruev or Longstaff may have to move on if Leeds want to sign a midfielder in the upcoming summer transfer window.
