Leeds United have secured Premier League safety with games to spare, and they are already working on potential deals for the summer transfer window.
The recruitment team are aware that this summer may be more complicated than last year, as they would have to bring in upgrades without blowing the budget on any individual player.
Daniel Farke has demanded backing from the Leeds board ahead of the summer, and the club are keen to ensure the manager has enough money to spend to improve the overall quality of the squad.
Leeds want to bring in defensive reinforcements to improve the quality of the depth in the squad, and they are again looking to bring in someone experienced in the Premier League.
The club are ‘pushing’ to sign Lutsharel Geertruida
Sunderland signed Lutsharel Geertruida from RB Leipzig on loan with an option to buy for a fee worth £20m.
The 25-year-old Dutch right-back has made 27 appearances in the Premier League and has played a key role in ensuring the Black Cats have a solid season back in the Premier League.
However, despite impressing in the north east, the defender is expected to leave Sunderland, and Leeds are among the clubs interested in him.
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds are really pushing to convince the Dutchman to consider a move to Elland Road in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Farke wants to bring in proper competition for Jayden Bogle at right-back, and Geertruida is also capable of playing in central defence.
His versatility appeals to the Leeds manager and the recruitment team, and his experience in the Premier League this season means he won’t require time to adapt.
Leeds have made an early move for him as Geertruida has other suitors in the Premier League as well.
Tottenham have their eyes on him, and the Dutchman has also been tracked by Aston Villa and Liverpool, who can offer Champions League football to the defender.
Farke wants to shake up his defence
Leeds haven’t had a proper back-up to Jayden Bogle, and James Justin’s versatility has come in handy whenever Farke required someone to fill in at right-back, left-back or centre-back.
However, the Leeds boss wants proper back-ups or players of Justin’s qualities who can play in multiple roles across the defence.
The potential departure of Sebastiaan Bornauw means Leeds will be short of one centre-back in the squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.
From that perspective, Leeds’ interest in Geertruida makes perfect sense, given his versatility to play both at full-back and in central defence depending on what the team needs.
