Leeds United hope to wrap up automatic promotion to the Premier League in the final eight games of the season. The race is still tight at the top but the Whites are being tipped to get the job done in the next six weeks. A favourable run-in, which includes playing six teams from the bottom ten, and the potential return of Ethan Ampadu make Leeds huge favourites to get promoted as Championship winners. Rumours are already doing the rounds of the players Leeds could sign if they are in the Premier League next season. It could involve the return of a former White to Elland Road and getting a world-class goalkeeper.
Daniel Farke and the Leeds United players are focused on securing automatic promotion to the Premier League and are unlikely to think too far ahead of the next game against Swansea at Elland Road a week from Saturday.
However, Leeds’ recruitment team have gone to work on certain targets and they have already some big decisions on players they would want to snap up in the next window if they get promoted to the top flight.
Returning to the Premier League has been the ultimate goal since they got relegated in 2023 and there is a real belief that they will be in the top flight next season.
If Leeds are in the Premier League next season, expect a new-look side to take the pitch on the first day of the season as they will need several new players to boost their chances of survival.
However, Farke will hope to retain a core group who will still play a big part in the Premier League next season.
A new goalkeeper and left-back will be in defence for Leeds United next season
Leeds are almost certain to sign a new number one as Illan Meslier has committed enough errors this season to prove that he would be a liability in the Premier League.
The Frenchman wants to stay if Leeds get promoted but it won’t matter as Leeds will bring in his replacement regardless of whether he stays put or leaves.
Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale has emerged on their radar with the Saints now almost certain to get relegated back to the Championship at the end of the season.
However, Caoimhin Kelleher would be the dream signing for Leeds who are interested in getting their hands on the Liverpool goalkeeper this summer.
Liverpool are ready to sell him and are expected to demand a fee in the region of £25m, which should not be a problem for the Whites if they get promoted.
Leeds are also expected to bring in a new left-back in the summer as it seems increasingly likely that Junior Firpo will move on from Elland Road at the end of the season.
The Whites are yet to offer him a new contract and as many as three clubs have approached to sign him on a free transfer in the next transfer window.
Spanish left-back Hugo Bueno, who is on loan at Feyenoord from Wolves, has emerged as a target for Leeds and should cost somewhere around £20m to £25m in the next transfer window.
Return of the prodigal son and a new striker
Leeds have decisions to make on their midfield options next summer with Joe Rothwell’s loan expiring at the end of the season and Ilia Gruev struggling at the moment.
The Whites are expected to invest in their midfield and Kalvin Phillips has been linked with a return to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
The midfielder wants to rejoin Leeds where he came through the ranks but would have to agree to a pay cut and Manchester City need to be reasonable with their transfer fee demands as well.
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However, there is expected to be a concerted effort to sign Phillips if Leeds get promoted and a deal could happen if all sides agree to make some compromises.
Leeds are also in the market for a striker and Tammy Abraham has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds in the next window.
However, a deal would hinge on whether AC Milan are ready to sign him on a permanent deal and a club agreeing to meet his nearly £100,000 per week contract demands.
The Whites have also been linked with a move for Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan with Brenden Aaronson almost certain to get dropped from the team next season.
The talented midfielder would be keen on a move to Leeds if they are in the Premier League next season and is unlikely to cost a fortune.
Predicted Leeds XI for next season: Kelleher, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Bueno, Phillips/Tanaka, Ampadu, Solomon, Spertsyan, James, Abraham
