Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Aheed Abrar

Tue 19 May 2026 12:10, UK

Leeds United want to quickly complete a deal for Olympique Lyonnais midfielder Tanner Tessmann in the upcoming transfer window.

According to Jeunesfooteux on 18 May, the Whites are looking to sign the USMNT international before the 2026 World Cup starts and the Ligue 1 outfit won’t stand in their way.

The news outlet reports that Lyon are ready to sell the 24-year-old for around £13m in the summer.

It has been claimed that the French club are taking a pragmatic approach to the defensive midfielder’s situation and he will be sold for the right offer.

Tessmann’s links to Elland Road will be worth watching closely in the coming weeks as 49ers Enterprises get ready to reinforce Daniel Farke’s squad.

Tanner Tessmann versatility can come handy at Leeds United

Tessmann has mostly featured as a defensive midfielder for Lyon this season, but he has also played at centre-back.

With Farke moving to a five-at-the-back system at Elland Road, the American star’s ability to slot in the backline could be a decent option to have for the German manager.

The West Yorkshire outfit have found great success since moving to a 5-3-2 formation, but it remains to be seen whether the 49-year-old head coach will stick with it.

Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, the Peacocks clearly need someone capable of providing adequate backup for Ethan Ampadu in the team and Tessmann seems like the perfect option.

The USMNT international is good at recovering the ball in the engine room and his defensive abilities culd definitely come in handy in LS11.

Daniel Farke may be ready to sanction Elland Road exit

If Tessmann were to sign for Leeds in the summer, Farke would certainly have to sacrifice someone from the engine room.

The German manager has an abundance of talent in the middle of the park with Anton Stach, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Sean Longstaff.

Another midfield addition certainly isn’t necessary unless the West Yorkshire outfit are planning to sell someone in the coming months.

The party atmosphere in LS11 will continue for the time being, but the 49ers must capitalise on their Premier League success this season by being proactive in the transfer window.