Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Mark Smith

Tue 2 June 2026 8:40, UK

Leeds United are preparing for another year of Premier League football, with Paraag Marathe already warning against caution.

The 49ers Enterprises believe it will take three years to become an established force at the top level, but that won’t stop them from pumping money into Elland Road.

With redevelopments starting in LS11 already, work is also underway to upgrade the squad and push for further goals than just surviving relegation.

Daniel Farke has reiterated those claims to the media, with the American ownership agreeing.

Now, Leeds will be working hard on their transfer targets, especially with the added complication of the 2026 World Cup starting shortly.

Who do Leeds United want to sign this summer?

If last season was about adding physicality and experience to the squad, not signing anyone below 25, this summer is about adding star quality.

The likes of Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were all sensational, adding flair and big-name ability, but more is needed.

Beren Cross has reported for The Athletic that Leeds are ready to raise the ceiling with their new additions in the upcoming window.

Elland Road sources have shared that the Whites want difference makers in the final third, with Farke missing a genuine playmaking number 10.

Depth in defence centrally and behind Gabriel Gudmundsson is also wanted, with Leeds said to be happy with their central midfield options.

Who has been linked with Leeds?

Of course, Leeds fans will know by now that there will be countless numbers of players linked with Elland Road this summer.

Harry Wilson is the obvious contender with his contract expiring at Fulham, but his sensational season will likely mean he moves higher up the Premier League.

In defence, Danilho Doekhi is another option as he leaves Union Berlin at the expiry of his current contract, with possible free transfers allowing the budget to stretch further.

Either way, Leeds are ready to spend bigger in the final third, so picking up some smart deals and possible free transfers elsewhere could unlock that ability.

Doekhi fits the bill, but the 49ers may need to move quickly with decisions still expected on the futures of Farke, Pascal Struijk, Karl Darlow and others in the squad, too.