Category: Leeds United

 

 

Leeds United have confirmed the signing of German forward Lukas Nmecha from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in a deal that could significantly bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. The 26-year-old striker arrives at Elland Road on a four-year contract, with the transfer fee reported to be in the region of £15 million.

 

Nmecha, a product of Manchester City’s youth academy, has previously played in the Premier League and Championship, but made his biggest impression in Germany with Wolfsburg, where he scored 21 goals in 75 appearances across all competitions. Known for his pace, strength, and intelligent movement, Nmecha is expected to offer Leeds a dynamic focal point up front as they aim for promotion—or stability, depending on their current league status.

 

Speaking to the club’s official website, Nmecha expressed his excitement at returning to English football: “Leeds is a club with a rich history and an incredible fan base. I’m really excited to be part of the project here. I’ve followed the team and I like the way they play—intense, fast, attacking football. I can’t wait to get started.”

 

Leeds manager Daniel Farke, who previously managed in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach and has a strong record of developing attacking players, welcomed the addition: “Lukas brings a lot of quality and experience at a relatively young age. He fits the profile of what we need—he can lead the line, link up play, and he’s hungry to prove himself again in English football. We’re delighted to have him.”

 

Born in Hamburg to a Nigerian father and German mother, Nmecha represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Germany. He was part of the Germany U21 squad that won the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2021, scoring the winning goal in the final. He has since gone on to earn senior caps for the national team but has struggled with injuries over the past year, limiting his appearances for Wolfsburg.

 

With fitness now regained and a full pre-season ahead, Leeds will be hoping Nmecha can rediscover his best form quickly. His arrival comes at a time when the club has been reshaping its squad, looking to add quality and depth, particularly in the attacking third. The move also signals Leeds’ intent to be proactive in the transfer market, regardless of division.

 

Fans have responded positively on social media, welcoming the signing and expressing hope that Nmecha can become a key figure in the team’s future. His blend of Bundesliga experience and English football background could make him well-suited for the demands of the EFL or Premier League.

 

As pre-season preparations begin, all eyes will be on how quickly Nmecha settles into life at Leeds and adapts to Farke’s system. If he can stay fit and find his scoring touch, this move could prove to be one of the most shrewd pieces of business in the summer window.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

douglas-luiz-juventus-champions-league

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.

 

carter-vickers-celtic-transfer-gossip-premiership-rodgers

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.

 

 

 

Ethan Ampadu Brennan Johnson, Leeds TottenhamBen Palmer

 

Tottenham star Brennan Johnson reacted to a message from Leeds defender Ethan Ampadu as an update on his future at Elland Road emerged.

 

The Whites confirmed their return to the Premier League with a 6-0 win over Stoke and celebrated the occasion in front of a packed Elland Road with a 4-0 dismantling of Bristol City on Monday evening (28 April).

 

The German guided the Yorkshire club to the playoff final last year and automatic promotion this time round, but there are concerns surrounding his previous track record in the Premier League, having been relegated and sacked while in charge of Norwich in his two previous top-flight campaigns.

 

Daniel Farke at Leeds United

Daniel Farke achieved promotion at the second time of asking.

Ethan Ampadu sends ‘special’ message to Leeds fans

Following the win, Leeds’ stars celebrated on the pitch and Ampadu subsequently shared photos on Instagram, captioned: “What a group of players, staff and fans! It was a special feeling to celebrate that with you all. One more to go.”

 

The post was liked by Tottenham star Johnson, showing his support for his Wales international teammate.

 

 

With just one fixture left against the nearly-relegated Plymouth, the Whites can confirm their status as Championship champions with a win on the final day of the season.

 

Leeds make decision on Ethan Ampadu future ahead of Premier League campaign

Football Insider Verdict

 

Leeds plan to retain Ampadu’s services this summer, as the top brass at the club view the Welshman as one of only a “few” players they believe capable of making the step up to England’s top-flight.

 

The Welsh international has been one of the Championship’s standout performers since joining from Chelsea two years ago.

 

However, there may be some niggling doubts about Ampadu’s fitness record, given he has missed 21 games this season due to two separate injuries.

 

2024/25 Premier League stats Ampadu

Appearances 28

Starts 25

Tackles won % 56.5%

Duels won % 61.9%

Minutes 2,196

What will now be interesting to see is if Leeds hold Ampadu’s partner at the back, Joe Rodon, in the same regard.

 

The former Tottenham man has started every single league game this season, but has struggled to make the grade in previous spells in the Premier League.

 

 

 

‘Fantastic’ Liverpool deserve Premier League crown – Pep Guardiola

 

Whites heading back to the big time

Ready to splash the cash this summer

Brazilian superstar currently at Santos

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Whites are readying themselves for a return to the big time in 2025-26. Automatic promotion out of the Championship has been confirmed, with Daniel Farke seeing his side bounce back from the disappointment of play-off final heartache last season.

 

 

Firpo has been a key performer for Leeds, with the ex-Barcelona full-back seeing his experience put to good use. He is hoping to be joined by more household names at Elland Road in the not too distant future.

 

 

Firpo, who left Camp Nou for West Yorkshire in 2021 when Leeds were a Premier League side, has told Marca when asked who he would bring in if money were no object: “If I could, I would sign Neymar for Leeds.”

 

Everton are needing a big summer of transfers to match the quality of the squad to the ambition of the new owners.

 

April was always going to prove a difficult month for Everton with some seriously tough fixtures being played.

 

David Moyes has been able to secure the Toffees mathematical Premier League survival, though.

 

With their status for the 2025/26 campaign secured, Everton will now be able to plan ahead of the summer window.

 

Everton have held transfer discussions already and there will be a real desire from the 62-year-old manager to put his stamp on the side.

 

Moyes inherited a struggling squad from Sean Dyche back in January which is now starting to show some of the same frailties.

 

There is one player who Everton are said to be keen on signing this summer but they are now facing competition from Leeds United.

 

 

 

Leeds United to battle Everton over Sean Longstaff

Everton have a strong interest in Sean Longstaff and have been eyeing the Newcastle United midfielder since January.

 

 

A move in the winter window was not an option for the Englishman with Newcastle keen to keep their academy product as squad depth.

 

According to i News, Leeds United have now entered the race to sign the 27-year-old midfielder in the summer.

 

 

Longstaff has not picked up regular minutes this season under Eddie Howe after the return of Sandro Tonali from his ban.

 

Howe has suggested Longstaff could leave this summer already as the midfielder will be eyeing more regular game time.

 

Everton are at risk of losing some of their current midfielders over the coming weeks as their contracts come to an end.

 

Adding a player with Premier League and Champions League experience could be a huge boost for Moyes as Everton look to take a step forward next season.

 

Sean Longstaff has approved Everton move

Ahead of the summer, Longstaff has already approved a move to Everton with the midfielder expected to move on from Tyneside.

 

This is a player who Moyes is believed to be a big fan of heading into the transfer window.

 

But he is also a player who has not played a great deal of football this season for the Magpies given their strength in midfield.

 

Newcastle would green light Longstaff’s sale to Everton with the Toffees well aware of the asking price put on the player.

 

With Leeds potentially offering Longstaff a move closer to home, this could be an interesting twist ahead of the summer window opening.

 

 

Patrick Bamford has put £5,000 behind the bar at The Old Peacock pub near Leeds United’s Elland Road home.

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Leeds are set to host Bristol City tonight (April 28) for their final home game of the 2024/25 campaign. It will also be the club’s first fixture since they clinched promotion to the Premier League.

 

Fans will be able to enjoy some free pre-match drinks, with Bamford having generously donated money to the popular pub.

 

 

 

 

Will Leeds United be able to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-worthy outfit next season after finally breaking free of the Championship’s grip?

 

It will certainly be easier said than done, however, considering all three promoted teams that went up at Leeds’ expense at the end of the 2023/24 campaign are all tumbling straight back down to the EFL’s top league after a short-lived top-flight stay.

 

Leeds-promotion-championship

Moreover, Daniel Farke himself has a sketchy track record in the Premier League, having picked up just six career wins at the tricky level, leading to speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road that he could be let go of despite successfully guiding the Whites up to the big-time.

 

To help in their mission to stay afloat, one of Leeds’ tactics in the summer transfer window could be to poach some of the Championship’s cream of the crop.

 

Who Leeds could sign this summer

Before looking to bring in some of the EFL’s very best, it might be a case that the Whites look at strengthening courtesy of some Premier League players.

 

Inevitably, rumours linking Kalvin Phillips with a return have been lingering in the background over the last few months, while last week, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has reportedly become a target for the club.

 

Tomas Soucek for West Ham

But, who else is on their radar?

 

Well, heading into the 2024/25 campaign, they were persistently linked with Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.

 

Leeds would, of course, snap up Jayden Bogle from the Blades, but this other switch wouldn’t go ahead, with the ex-Coventry City attacker then going on to win the coveted prize of Championship’s Player of the Season at the EFL awards this weekend for his efforts under Chris Wilder’s wing.

 

Gaining such recognition could well reignite the promoted side’s interest, with Hamer now having to fight it out for a place in the Premier League next season via the playoffs.

 

It’s a move pundit Lee Hendrie thinks has legs too, telling Football League World: “Obviously (Leeds) were interested (in Hamer), and particularly if the Blades don’t go up, I think that is going to be the key factor, isn’t it? He’s a very good player, and he has had a lot of clubs that were sniffing around him, even before going to Sheffield United. He’s proven that he has got that x-factor, one of the better players in the Championship arguably, in that position, anyway.”

 

Why Hamer would be a major upgrade on Aaronson

Described as an “unbelievable” player by former teammate Oli McBurnie, signing Hamer could finally see Brenden Aaronson pushed to one side in Farke’s starting lineups.

 

Aaronson should be commended for slotting back into the Whites set-up this season after his time at Elland Road had become sour but that doesn’t mean an upgrade shouldn’t be sought once their Premier League return is here.

 

gustavo-hamer-leeds

The 24-year-old was loaned out to Union Berlin for all of the 2023/24 season right after his side’s demise down to the EFL, only for the number 11 to notch up nine goals and two assists from 44 Championship appearances the following campaign back among the first-team fold.

 

Unfortunately for the rejuvenated USA international, he has endured a poor personal end to the season even as his side sit pretty in the league’s top two, with a mere two goal contributions falling his way in the Championship in 2025.

 

Whereas, Hamer – as seen via his sumptuous free-kick against Coventry back in March – has been a constant menace all campaign long for Wilder and Co, with four of his impressive 16 goal contributions in league action coming during United’s last six contests.

 

Hamer at Sheff Utd vs Aaronson at Leeds

 

Stat

 

Hamer

 

Aaronson

 

Championship games played

 

163

 

44

 

Premier League games played

 

36

 

36

 

Champ goals

 

26

 

9

 

Champ assists

 

31

 

2

 

PL goals

 

4

 

 

 

 

Shades of a certain Pablo Hernandez – a goalscoring and creative midfielder, Hamer certainly blows Aaronson out of the water with his standout Premier League output.

 

While goals certainly haven’t been hard to come by for Leeds in 2024/25, he would be a welcome addition to Farke’s ranks if a move whirred back into motion, with Hamer more than comfortable as a number ten option to usurp his ex-Red Bull Salzburg counterpart.

 

Brendan-Aaronson-Leeds

Also equally as lively down the left where he’s predominantly starred this season at Bramall Lane, Hamer would potentially give Farke a whole host of options in attack ahead of the step-up in quality, with this signing one that would undoubtedly boost Leeds in their fight for instant survival.

 

 

 

Leeds United are back in the Premier League and are going to be competing with the heavy spenders next season.

 

The parties are only just coming to an end – for now at least – after Leeds United won promotion back to the Premier League on Monday.

 

There were wild scenes at Elland Road during and after the 6-0 drubbing of Stoke City, with Burnley’s subsequent win over Sheffield United sending both sides back up to the top flight.

 

Daniel Farke has now earned his third promotion to the Premier League but murmurings have already started on whether he is good enough to keep them there.

 

Michael Brown and Gabby Agbonlahor are just two to suggest Leeds might have to consider sacking him, with Darren Bent suggesting Jose Mourinho would like the job.

 

Farke hasn’t got a good record in the Premier League, having won just six out of 49 matches for Norwich City, but Simon Jordan believes he was set up to fail due to a lack of investment in the transfer market.

 

Leeds won’t be the big fish in the pond next season and will be competing with the highest-spending clubs in the world, as their wage bill compared to the 20 Premier League sides attests.

 

 

Leeds United’s yearly wage bill

Leeds have one of, if not the, biggest wage bill in the Championship in the 2024-25 season, which has certainly helped them secure promotion.

 

 

Farke’s squad is dripping with quality and players with ample Premier League experience, reflected in their ridiculous points return, scoring rate and defensive record.

 

According to Sports Salary, this is the club’s wage bill this year:

 

£31,747,560 per year

£610,530 per week

There may be variation on the figure depending on what percentage of wages Leeds are paying for on-loan duo Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell and other factors but, regardless, it’s a massive sum for the second tier.

 

Yet, it pales in comparison to most of the Premier League.

 

Where Leeds United wages rank in the Premier League

Leeds’ wage bill will likely increase immediately after Premier League promotion, before new signings even arrive.

 

The Leeds squad took pay cuts at around 50-60% when the club was relegated to the Championship and those wages might shoot back up next season.

 

Those players who have been signed in the two years since may also be set for a pay rise after securing promotion.

 

Still, at present, Leeds’ wage bill is absolutely dwarfed by the Premier League clubs, with Erling Haaland nearly earning as much himself in a year as the Whites spend on their whole squad.

 

Ranking Team Weekly wage bill Yearly wage bill

1 Manchester City £3,471,160 £180,500,320

2 Chelsea £3,262,085 £169,628,420

3 Arsenal £3,183,351 £165,534,252

4 Manchester United £2,965,415 £154,201,580

5 Liverpool £2,702,650 £140,537,800

6 Tottenham Hotspur £2,262,015 £117,624,780

7 Newcastle United £2,023,065 £105,199,380

8 Aston Villa £1,874,466 £97,472,232

9 West Ham United £1,710,350 £88,938,200

10 Everton £1,489,346 £77,445,992

11 Nottingham Forest £1,307,120 £67,970,240

12 Fulham £1,287,825 £66,966,900

13 Brighton £1,268,573 £65,965,796

14 Wolves £1,245,253 £64,753,156

15 Crystal Palace £1,236,340 £64,289,680

16 Bournemouth £1,194,045 £62,090,340

17 Leicester City £1,170,345 £60,857,940

18 Southampton £ 971,000 £ 50,492,000

19 Ipswich Town £820,465 £42,664,180

20 Brentford £792,791 £41,225,132

21 Leeds United £610,530 £31,747,560

All wage date via salarysport.com

Though Brentford reportedly have the lowest wage bill and are 11th in the league, they are an exception that proves the rule. It takes big money to thrive, even survive, in the first division.

 

Leicester have a wage bill that is currently near double Leeds’ yet have been humiliated this season, while Ipswich and Southampton have been unable to survive despite increasing their spending as well.

 

Other than Brentford, the three lowest wage bills will be relegated this season, which just shows that Leeds will likely have to outspend at least four other clubs on wages and more than double their bill if they want to stay up.

 

With promotion now in the bag, focus is quickly turning to the summer transfer window for Leeds United and The 49ers’ ability to put together a squad Daniel Farke can keep in the Premier League.

 

There have been murmurs that Leeds might replace Daniel Farke even after promotion and possibly, a league title. Simon Grayson rubbished the idea that The 49ers could sack Farke, but the pressure is on.

 

Paraag Marathe praised Farke in his promotion statement, but also told fans that work has been put in place in the event of promotion to deliver a squad capable of fighting for Premier League survival.

 

Before making any new signings, even if Burnley are set to complete permanent deals for Jaidon Anthony and Marcus Edwards, The 49ers and Farke need to make a few decisions no the current playing squad.

 

 

Josuha Guilavogui is one of five players set to leave Leeds United

As things stand, three players are out of contract while two loans will come to an end. Leeds are expected to sign Manor Solomon though the jury is out over whether Leeds will bring in Joe Rothwell permanently.

 

Guilavogui joined Leeds in October of the 2024-25 season, as an emergency free agent signing to cover the injuries to duo Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu. He posted on Instagram after Leeds won promotion.

 

The former Mainz, Wolfsburg and Atletico Madrid star’s Instagram post read: “WE ARE PREMIER LEAGUE.

This team. These players. This club. One of a kind. Marching On Together always.”

 

 

Willy Gnonto orders Leeds to hand Guilavogui a new contract

Guilavogui played 17 times for Leeds, two starts in The FA Cup and 15 appearances as a substitute. The midfielder has matched Vinnie Jones’ record of going unbeaten in his first 15, even if he’s not started.

 

But it is Guilavogui’s character that has won the love of fans. His constant smile, his posts on social media and the clear impact he has on the Leeds squad – a father figure-like character to the younger players.

 

One of those is Willy Gnonto, who responded to Guilavogui’s post by commenting “one more season”. Joel Piroe echoed Gnonto’s statement, urging The 49ers to hand the versatile ace a two-year contract.

 

 

Focus will be on the final two games of the season as Leeds host Bristol City next Monday, before the trip to Plymouth Argyle on May 3. If Leeds win both games, they win the title – regardless of Burnley’s results.