Leeds United have enjoyed a productive start to the summer transfer window, with Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic already arriving to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad.
The club are also on the verge of completing a club-record deal for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, who has already agreed personal terms ahead of his expected move to Elland Road.
Not every move has gone according to plan, though. Leeds suffered a setback in their pursuit of Julian Brandt after the Germany international opted to join Ajax instead.
The Whites believed they had a genuine chance of persuading the 30-year-old to move to West Yorkshire. Still, Brandt ultimately decided to continue his career in the Netherlands rather than make the switch to the Premier League.
Read More: Liverpool midfielder emerges as surprise Leeds United target after Julian Brandt snub
Leeds United set to miss out on another top target
The Whites have done well to convince two top-quality players in Wilson and Muharemovic to move to Elland Road this summer despite interest from clubs competing in European competitions.
Leeds have also sold the project to James Trafford, who is waiting for Manchester City to sign his replacement before completing a ÂŁ45m move to Elland Road.
However, Leeds are now set to miss out on one of Daniel Farke’s priority targets in the ongoing transfer window.
According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Fulham are close to finalising a deal to sign Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.
The Cottagers have agreed to pay a fee north of ÂŁ25m, and the two clubs are now working out the fine print of the agreement.
Fulham are close to finalising personal terms with Charles’ representatives and the midfielder is keen to play in the Premier League next season.
It’s been a couple of weeks since Leeds made their third and final offer and insisted that they won’t be improving on that bid.
Charles wanted to join Leeds, but it seems the Whites are not keen to match Fulham’s bid, and the midfielder is now on his way to Craven Cottage.
🚨⏳ EXCL | Fulham are now in advanced negotiations with Southampton over Shea Charles.
The clubs are working to resolve the final details before reaching a full agreement. Talks are centred around a transfer fee of around €30m.
Personal terms with the 22 y/o defensive… pic.twitter.com/MbU9wb8wvu
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) August 4, 2026
Leeds reluctant to overpay for Shea Charles
Shea Charles was a top target for Leeds all summer, and the midfielder was also keen to move to Elland Road in the ongoing transfer window.
Despite the complications in negotiations with Southampton, Leeds were confident that an agreement would be reached to take Charles to Yorkshire.
However, the Saints remained a tough nut to crack, and Leeds eventually walked away from the negotiating table as they didn’t want to overpay.
Fulham seem to have found a way to convince Southampton to compromise on their ÂŁ30m valuation and accept a fee north of the ÂŁ25m figure.
Unless Leeds launch a dramatic late hijack, Charles is now expected to join Fulham this summer.
