Leeds United have a massive summer ahead of them in the coming months, with shrewd additions needed if the side are to survive the drop in the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke has done a tremendous job leading the side back to the top-flight, but the real job starts now, with the German needing to keep the side in the division.
None of the last six sides to secure promotion back to such a division have been able to remain in it for longer than one season, highlighting the task on the Whites’ hands in 2025/26.
daniel farke
Whilst they secured the Championship title in 2024/25, multiple additions will be needed in key areas of the pitch this summer, with added depth and quality required if they are to buck the recent trend.
With the season less than two months away and with no additions made, the hierarchy need to start making moves to strengthen the first team squad, leading to countless names being thrown into the mix.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer
All areas of the pitch have been subject to links for Leeds in the last couple of weeks, with Farke evidently plotting moves for numerous talents before the start of the season.
The likes of Fabio Silva, Douglas Luiz and Japhet Tanganga have all been mooted with moves to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deals have edged closer for any of the aforementioned trio.
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However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Celtic centre-back Cameron Carter-Vickers firmly on their radar, according to 67 Hail Hail.
Their report claims that the Whites are battling Sunderland for the 27-year-old, with the Scottish side potentially holding out for a fee in the region of £25m for his signature.
It also states that the American could be tempted by a return to the Premier League, with the real expectation that he will leave Brendan Rodgers’ side before the end of the summer window.
Why Leeds’ £25m target would be a better option than Bijol
Over the last couple of days, Leeds have emerged as strong contenders to secure a deal for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, with the Slovenian appearing a key target for Farke’s side.
Napoli’s David Neres in action with Udinese’s Jaka Bijol
The Whites have already had their first bid for the 26-year-old rejected, but remain in talks with the Serie A side over a move to land the defender ahead of the 2025/26.
It’s been reported that the first bid was in the region of £15m, but it remains to be seen how much the Italian side would be demanding to part ways with Bijol this window.
He’s been a key member of the side this campaign, featuring in all but four matches, highlighting his importance to the side and making it understandable that they don’t want to part ways with him this summer.
They should look past a move for the Slovenian and prioritise a deal for the Celtic star, offering a better defensive option ahead of their return to the Premier League.
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However, when comparing his stats to those of Carter-Vickers this campaign, the American has massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, showcasing why the board needs to pursue a move for his signature.
The 27-year-old, who’s been labelled “the best centre-back outside the top five leagues” by Euro Expert, has completed more passes and made more progressive passes per 90 – showcasing his ability to play out from the back when needed.
How Carter-Vickers compares to Bijol in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Carter-Vickers
Bijol
Games played
30
34
Minutes played
2618
2963
Pass accuracy
94%
83%
Progressive passes
4.8
2.3
Tackles won
1.6
1.3
% of tackles won
71%
52%
Aerials won
74%
67%
Stats via FBref
He’s also starred out of possession, winning more tackles per 90, and making more interceptions, having the talent without the ball, massively aiding their survival battle next season.
The former Spurs star has also won more aerial battles, having an impact at both ends of the pitch, potentially offering a set-piece threat within the final third.
Whilst he may be an expensive addition for the Whites this summer, his figures produced this campaign are examples of the talent he possesses – offering a better signing than Bijol.
Both players would massively improve the options currently in the first team squad, with Farke needing to work tirelessly in the coming months to secure Carter-Vickers’ signature.
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