Credit: Imago

James Barker

Sun 15 March 2026 9:27, UK

Leeds United are reportedly at the front of a large queue of clubs to sign Man City starlet Stephen Mfuni on loan this summer.

Daniel Farke wasn’t able to strengthen his defensive ranks in this season’s winter window, and that could yet come back to haunt Leeds.

The Whites are still very much embroiled in the relegation battle in the Premier League this season, ahead of their crunch clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon.

However, regardless of what division they’re plying their trade in for 2026-27, a busy summer transfer window is forecasted for Leeds, as they either look to mount a promotion push, or kick on towards the upper reaches of the Premier League.

Leeds United tracking Man City defender Stephen Mfuni

Ahead of Leeds’ game against Crystal Palace, some interesting transfer news has emerged concerning the Elland Road outfit.

According to a report from journalist Alan Nixon via Patreon on Sunday, Leeds are leading a host of Premier League clubs in the race to sign Mfuni on loan this summer.

The Cityzens are described as being “under siege” in Nixon’s report, with the highly-rated 18-year-old currently starring out on loan with Watford in the Championship.

It’s claimed that he’s now bookmarked to go back out on loan for the 2026-27 campaign, but due to his exploits in the Championship, City feel he’s ready to play at a higher level.

Nixon reports that a number of European clubs are monitoring his situation, with Germany and Spain listed as potential destinations, as well as the Premier League.

But, it’s said that Leeds are currently leading the chasing pack amongst possible top flight suitors, whilst there are also sides towards the top of the Championship also taking a keen interest too.

Man City may wish to send Mfuni to promoted side over Leeds

So, whilst it appears as though Leeds have a good chance of securing Mfuni’s services this summer, Man City may well have other preferences ahead of sending him to Elland Road.

Farke has a lot of strength in depth at central defence, with Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw all competing for minutes, whilst Sam Byram, James Justin and Gabriel Gudmundsson can all play there too.

City clearly think a lot of Mfuni, and will want him to keep playing regular football wherever he ends up at next, and so looking at Leeds’ current squad, that surely wouldn’t be guaranteed for him in West Yorkshire.

However, sending him to one of next-season’s newly-promoted teams from the Championship could see him not only get Premier League experience, but it may also be more likely for him to step into a larger role with one of those three sides.

But, if Leeds see him as a top player who is perhaps already better than what they’ve got, then a move for him would make a lot of sense this summer.