Credit: Imago

Daniel Lewis

Thu 7 May 2026 15:10, UK

49ers Enterprises appear to be taking a smart approach to Leeds United‘s early-window transfer business.

Leeds may not yet be assured of a place in the Premier League, but that will likely change over the next few days.

West Ham failing to take a point off leaders Arsenal at the weekend would be enough in itself for Leeds, who will otherwise then need a result at Tottenham.

Only then can Leeds start properly planning for the 2026-27 season, which will begin with Daniel Farke in charge at Elland Road after his fine work this campaign.

But it appears Leeds chiefs are already quietly going about their summer transfer business before the window has opened.

Leeds linked with free agent midfielders

Reports emerged a few weeks ago now suggesting Sporting CP midfielder Hidemasa Morita was on the verge of agreeing to join Leeds.

Well it has now been reported that Morita to Leeds is as good as done, with that considered some very impressive business indeed if true.

It has also now been reported that Leeds are keeping a close eye on Bilal Nadir as his Marseille contract nears its conclusion.

Nadir has fallen out of favour at Stade Velodrome but is considered a very talented midfielder; one who will be available for just a small signing-on fee.

That could potentially be two talented midfielders recruited for next to nothing for the 49ers early in the summer window.

Even if those players just strengthen the squad, rather than the first XI, it is some shrewd business.

And it will mean the owners then have funds to spend on the bigger-name players who will elevate Leeds to the next level.

Exactly how much the Whites will have to spend is unknown, but even if only a couple of marquee signings are made, on top of these free agents, that could be enough.

Who else have Leeds been linked with?

Gustavo Hamer’s name has once again cropped up of late, having been strongly linked with a switch to Elland Road last summer.

Ayase Ueda and Jhon Solis are two other names, and we can expect plenty more as the days tick down towards June.

The immediate priority is survival, of course, but that will hopefully be wrapped up with two or three games to spare.

That gives Leeds a slight advantage in that they can shop in a Premier League market, rather than preparing for life in the Championship.