Leeds United have improved their recruitment team since they were relegated in 2023. The club have made the right signings that have helped them back up into the Premier League.
Last summer’s signings proved pivotal as the club finished in 14th place and avoided relegation.
Anton Stach played a key role in midfield, with Jaka Bijol being a commanding presence at the back. Gabriel Gudmundsson slotted into the left back role vacated by Junior Firpo and has been a success.
The plan has been to target quality players from other leagues in Europe.
This seems to have worked out better than what newly-promoted clubs do; shopping in the Championship.
Leeds United target treble winner
As well as signing quality players from across Europe, Leeds United have benefited from free agents.
Sam Byram was signed in the Championship, and proved to be a quality option in the Whites’ journey to promotion.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin arrived on a free last summer and his goals propelled the club to safety. Leeds have also signed former Fulham star Harry Wilson in this summer window.
BBC Sport are reporting that the Whites have another major target in their sights; John Stones.
The defender left Manchester City at the end of last season after a long and successful spell with the club. He impressed with England in the 2026 World Cup, and is attracting suitors.
The report from the BBC lists Leeds as one of the possible destinations in England.
READ MORE: Club step up talks with Leeds United as Elland Road star pushes for exit
John Stones would be a great fit at Elland Road
Italian sides Juventus and Inter Milan are credited with interest in John Stones.
But Leeds United could be a realistic option for the defender. He was born in Yorkshire, and if he wants a club close to home, he can look no further than Elland Road.
Leeds have shown their ambition with their signings so far this summer.
They were able to convince Harry Wilson to join the club, over the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and Benfica. So getting Stones on board is very plausible for the 49ers.
The club were also able to meet Julian Brandt’s father this week, showing how the club really wants to maintain their Premier League status.
Wages could be a stumbling block, with the 32-year old being on a bigger salary at his former club. Fans at Elland Road should not rule out the possibility of the England star joining.
This fan would rule him out … he’s shown recently that he has injury issues, plus his wages would be an even bigger burden; ok, a risk was taken with DCL but there are other, and better and more viable options out there.