Credit: Breaking Media

Mark Smith

Mon 18 May 2026 10:10, UK

Tanner Tessmann could quickly become a hot topic for Leeds United ahead of another summer of change at Elland Road.

Leeds have secured their Premier League status for another year after promotion, and their 1-0 win over Brighton on Sunday means they could finish on 50 points.

Daniel Farke has admitted that the Whites must push on even further now, and that will start with the 49ers backing in the transfer window.

With a summer World Cup to navigate, Leeds and others may need to move sharply to get their priority deals over the line.

And that may start with Tessmann, who is currently at Lyon.

Tanner Tessmann offered as 49ers get to work

Tessmann, a defensive midfielder, is getting ready to represent the USMNT at a home World Cup this summer, an honour that doesn’t come around for many.

Despite that, he is still said to have been offered around at club level.

Alan Nixon has reported that Leeds and Brentford are set to battle for his signature once the transfer window officially opens in the Premier League.

Thankfully for the Whites, their American owners may give them the battle in the race.

It’s reported that Leeds would like to sign Tessmann before the World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June, in case he does well and his value skyrockets.

With that in mind, Hayden Hackney of Middlesbrough is said to be an alternative.

Where do Leeds need to strengthen?

There are several areas that come to mind, although holding midfield likely isn’t one of the immediate concerns for Farke and Co.

Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev can fill that gap behind the likes of Anton Stach, but one of the latter two could be sold.

Leeds may be proactive as they look to build a squad capable of finishing higher in the Premier League.

Outside of that, a new central defender and left-back may be needed, as well as a possible goalkeeper, striker and another playmaking winger.

Either way, Leeds must build on this year of survival in the Premier League, as they may never get a better chance to become established at the top level.

They simply can’t throw it away as they did under Marcelo Bielsa.