The last time Leeds United were promoted to the Premier League, they had a summer transfer window to remember, landing numerous players who went on to star at Elland Road.
The likes of Raphinha, Rodrigo and Robin Koch all moved to the club that summer, all playing a crucial role in their ability to take the top-flight by storm under Marcelo Bielsa.
Daniel Farke is the man tasked with the responsibility this time around, looking to build a competitive squad after their title-winning, 100-point campaign in the Championship throughout 2024/25.
Whilst his side managed to produce a season to remember in the second tier this season, the gulf between the two divisions is getting larger year-on-year, with quality additions needed to have any chance of survival.
The transfer window is now just around the corner, with the Whites’ hierarchy already making moves to land numerous talents who could thrive at Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer
Given the recent reports that claim Leeds will have around £100m to spend on new additions this summer, it’s no surprise to see a whole host of talents linked with a move to Yorkshire.
Former star Kalvin Phillips is just one player who’s been touted with a move, potentially securing an unexpected return after his £45m switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
However, he’s not the only midfielder on the club’s shortlist for the upcoming window, with Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff emerging as another option, according to TEAMtalk.
The report claims that the Whites are plotting a move for the 27-year-old star, who’s made 25 appearances in the Premier League throughout the ongoing campaign.
It also states that he could be available for as little as £12m during the off-season, with Everton and Manchester United also in the race for his signature ahead of the opening of the market.
Why Longstaff would be perfect alongside Tanaka
Japanese international Ao Tanaka made the switch to join Leeds nearly 12 months ago, arriving from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf for a fee in the region of £3.5m.
Such a deal appears to be a bargain given his displays in Yorkshire, making 45 appearances across all competitions and netting five goals in the process.
The 26-year-old was named in the EFL’s Team of the Season, showcasing his excellent impact within Farke’s side, likely to be a key part of any success in 2025/26.
He could take his game to the next level with the potential arrival of Longstaff, with the Newcastle ace having the tools to make the pair a force to be reckoned with next campaign.
The star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former footballer Alan Shearer, has completed 86% of his passes in the league, whilst registering 2.6 touches in the opposition box – showcasing his impressive displays with the ball at his feet.
Games played
25
Minutes played
786
Pass accuracy
86%
Touches in opposition box
2.6
Tackles won
1.8
Tackle success rate
59%
Duels won
4.8
Recoveries made
3.6
He’s also managed to win 1.8 tackles won per 90, whilst winning 4.8 duels – able to regain possession for Farke’s men and hand them the added defensive quality they will need in England’s top-flight.
Over the years, he’s managed to register 10 goals from his midfield role, having the quality in the final third to make an impact should he find himself in such a position.
Such figures could be able to fall perfectly into the hands of Tanaka, enabling the Japanese star to carry on his excellent goalscoring record from a deep-lying position.
£12m for a player with his Premier League experience would be a bargain in today’s market, making for a superb start to what is certainly going to be a massive summer for the football club.
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