AI predicts how much Leeds United will spend on transfers if they get promoted - including £40m Man Utd deal
Leeds United are edging closer to a return to the Premier League after a key victory over Sheffield United
Championship leaders Leeds United earned an invaluable 3-1 victory away at Sheffield United to put themselves firmly in the driving seat to win promotion back into the top-flight.
The Whites went behind at Bramall Lane through an own goal from goalkeeper Illan Meslier after just 17 minutes but came out with guns blazing in the second half to earn a key victory through goals from Junior Firpo, Ao Tankaka and Joel Piroe. The win in South Yorkshire leaves Leeds five points clear of rivals Sheffield United and a commanding seven points clear of third placed Burnley in the race for promotion.
“I’m proud of the boys,” said Daniel Farke, via BBC Sport. “This is one of the toughest places you can go, and it was the worst possible start. The reaction the boys showed was outstanding. We were able to find not just another gear but another two or three.”
OPTA Sport now gives Leeds a 98.6% chance of securing the Championship title for the first time since Marcelo Bielsa steered them to the summit back in 2020. But who are the Whites likely to sign if they do win promotion back into the Premier League? Here’s a look at some of the suggestions that AI put forward.
Which players will Leeds United sign if they get promoted?
According to Twitter’s Grok AI tool, Leeds United will be in the market for a striker, a creative midfielder, and defensive depth. Its forecast explains that promotion would give the club ambition, but adds that survival in the Premier League would be the first goal, with a mixed blend of experience and youth to reflect that.
Here is its answer in full: “Leeds have a solid foundation but would likely need to bolster their squad to compete in the top flight. The struggles of this season’s promoted teams—Southampton, Ipswich Town, and Leicester City—highlight the gap between the Championship and the Premier League. Leeds would probably target players with proven quality or high potential, especially in key areas like goalkeeper, attack, and midfield creativity.
“One position that’s been debated is goalkeeper. Illan Meslier has been a mainstay, but his occasional errors have frustrated fans. A Premier League campaign might push Leeds to look for an upgrade or strong competition. For a goalkeeper, they might eye a free agent or a loan, but no specific names have surfaced yet for 2025. In defence, someone like Tariq Lamptey, a versatile full-back from Brighton who can also play on the left, could be an option if they’re thinking defensively.
“Up top, Leeds’ current forwards—Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, Patrick Bamford, Largie Ramazani, and Brenden Aaronson—have potential but lack consistent Premier League pedigree. Bamford’s injury issues and Joseph’s youth mean they might not be ready to lead the line.
“Posts on X have speculated about Leeds targeting Manchester United’s Rasmus Højlund for around £40 million if they go up, with Juventus and West Ham also in the mix. Højlund’s physicality and goal-scoring instinct could fit Farke’s system, but it’s a big “if” given his current role at United and the competition for his signature.
“Midfield could use a creative spark too. Players like Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev are solid, but Leeds might chase a playmaker. Past rumours have linked them to someone like Eduard Spertsyan, an Armenian attacking midfielder, though that’s cooled lately. If Junior Firpo and Sam Byram leave as free agents in 2025, left-back becomes a priority—Ryan Manning of Southampton, once mentioned as a free-agent target, could resurface as an option.
“Leeds’ transfer approach under Farke has been pragmatic, focusing on players who fit the team’s culture. Their healthy financial position after selling Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter for big fees last summer gives them room to spend, but they’re unlikely to splash out recklessly. They might mix a marquee signing (like Højlund) with cost-effective moves—think free agents or loans, similar to Joe Rodon’s permanent switch from Tottenham in 2024.”
How much will Leeds United spend if they achieve promotion?
Leeds United were able to generate a significant portion of money through the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter over the summer to ease any profit and sustainability issues that could arise. If they return to the top-flight, AI anticipates that the club could look to spend around £100m to £120m on new recruits to get to grips with the jump in quality.
Twitter’s Grok tool explains: “With their Red Bull sponsorship and existing commercial deals, Leeds could easily have £100-150 million available before further sales.
“How much they’d spend depends on their goals—survival or pushing higher up the table. Looking at recent promoted teams, spending varies wildly. In 2024, Ipswich Town (£123m), Leicester City (£86.8m), and Southampton (£40.4m) invested heavily to reshape their squads, while Burnley spent just £22 million in 2020 and survived a season.
“Leeds’ last Premier League stint in 2020 saw them splash around £100 million, including structured deals for players like Rodrigo and Diego Llorente, but that was under tighter financial constraints than now. Posts on X suggest fans expect a bigger outlay this time, with some speculating £120 million or more, citing their deeper pockets and need to replace lost talents like Summerville and Rutter.
Realistically, Daniel Farke’s pragmatic approach—he’s publicly against overpaying—suggests a balanced strategy. Survival in the Premier League often requires £70-100 million in upgrades, targeting a striker (e.g., a £40m move for Rasmus Højlund has been rumoured), a creative midfielder, and defensive depth. Leeds could aim for £100-150 million total, blending one or two marquee signings with cost-effective loans or free agents, leveraging their cash reserves and PSR room.
“If they push for mid-table stability rather than just survival, £120 million feels plausible, aligning with what teams like Brighton (£40m in 2017) or Wolves (£77m in 2018) spent to establish themselves.”