Leeds United sit 15th in the Premier League, three points clear of the relegation zone and are backing themselves to secure safety in the top flight by the end of the season.
With safety starting to feel closer, thoughts are slowly beginning to turn toward what comes next. Behind the scenes, Leeds have already begun laying the foundations for what could be a busy summer as they prepare for the 2026/27 season.
Strengthening the squad will be a clear priority. The club are expected to target a new goalkeeper, while interest in Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is also set to intensify, with Leeds preparing to make a more concrete move for him.
The Whites are almost certain to sign a new striker in the summer to bolster their options, and AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez is one of the options the club are exploring.
Leeds hold initial talks for AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been Leeds’ talisman in the Premier League this season, with 10 league goals. Lukas Nmecha has served as the understudy to the 28-year-old.
However, Leeds are aware that they need to add more firepower to the squad if they survive in the Premier League.
Santiago Gimenez has been linked with a move to Leeds in the next transfer, and there seems to be some movement in the club’s interest in him.
According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds have held initial talks with the striker’s representatives over a potential move to Elland Road next summer.
The former Feyenoord striker has struggled at AC Milan this season with injuries and has yet to score a league goal. However, he remains a highly-rated forward who was prolific at Feyenoord.
Leeds are exploring their options ahead of the end of the season as they seek to add one more striker if they secure Premier League safety.
Gimenez is one of the forwards the club are seriously considering ahead of the summer window.
Joel Piroe will leave the club in the summer
Leeds will need a striker in the summer as Joel Piroe is almost certain to move on at the end of the season to play more football somewhere else.
The Dutchman was the Championship’s top scorer last season, but has fallen out of favour this season and is firmly at the bottom of the pecking order at Elland Road.
Joel Piroe – Leeds United Appearances This Season| Competition | Matches | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 13 | 217 |
| FA Cup | 2 | 131 |
| EFL Cup | 1 | 90 |
| Total | 16 | 438 |
Leeds were open to selling him in January, but the forward rejected all offers on the table. However, he will be open to leaving the club in the summer window.
Daniel Farke has not shown enough faith in the Dutchman, who has been nothing more than a bench option in the Premier League this season.
The harsh reality is that Leeds must start to win a few more games to secure survival, is it possilbe – of course they can but they need to take every game as if it is the last game and eveything depends on it, accept the opposition will cheat, time wate and probably have the ref on the payroll too. In the summer either way there is likely to be some changes but if we survive Farke will still be manager and fewer changes are likely so the team spirit will continue. Piroe is likely to leave and he needs the change to restart his career at a higher level. I drove past Elland road yesterday, it look small in comparison to some newly built grounds but it is soaked in history. The 49s are investing in a new stadium, so now the present side and Farke can carve their… Read more »