The major new signings Leeds could still make this summer - including Roma and Leicester gems
Leeds United are looking to make a splash on their return to the Premier League
Promotion from the Championship to the Premier League is becoming an increasingly harder proposition, but Leeds United will feel they have what it takes to make a good fight of it next season.
The Yorkshire outfit romped to the second-tier title with a huge 100 points, seeing out Burnley on goal difference, and it is their ruthless edge in front of goal and rocking atmosphere at Elland Road which many feel could give them a chance.
Leeds are a traditionally big club who are no strangers to shining at this level, having finished in the top half of the Premier League as recently as 2020/21. The Whites have made some smart acquisitions in the transfer market, including Sean Longstaff arriving from Newcastle United, Anton Stach from Hoffenheim and Lucas Perri from Lyon, totalling in a spend of around £75million between seven signings. Manager Daniel Farke will hope to add further new faces before the window shuts.
Leeds make enquiry for former La Liga top scorer
According to reports by TeamTalk, Leeds have shown ‘strong interest’ in signing Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, who was La Liga top scorer with Girona in 2023/24 but could be available if Roma’s asking price of €35m (£30m) is met.
The Ukraine international scored 24 La Liga goals in his only season in Spain, having signed from the now-dissolved Dnipro-1 in his homeland. He earnt a move to Serie A giants Roma for €38m last summer and netted 17 goals in all competitions in his first season, but reports in Italy suggest that the 28-year-old may already be up for sale this summer at a slightly reduced price.
As it stands, the majority of Leeds’ goal-scoring hopes rest on the shoulders of Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe, who has yet to compete at this level and may need time to adapt. The signing of Dovbyk, who already has experience scoring regularly in two of Europe’s top five leagues, could have a huge impact on the club’s survival hopes.
Full-back and winger high up on Farke’s list
Two more positions where Farke may also look to strengthen are at full-back and on the wing. Leicester City right-back James Justin has been linked with a move to Elland Road to bolster Leeds’ defensive options. Once a full England international, James was viewed as a top young full-back just a few years ago but has seen his career ravaged by injuries. He has largely remained fit for the last two seasons though and could earn a move back to the top flight following Leicester’s relegation.
Leeds have also been linked with another Serie A star in the shape of Fiorentina winger Riccardo Sottil. The 26-year-old spent part of last season on loan at AC Milan and has reportedly not travelled with Fiorentina on their pre-season trip to Birmingham, as per Tuttomercatoweb. This is because he is likely to leave the club. He is a transfer target for Leeds and Torino, as per the report. Having made 129 Serie A appearances throughout his career, the Italian could prove a high-calibre purchase for Leeds if they were able to get a move over the line.