Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Aheed Abrar

Wed 20 May 2026 18:40, UK

Leeds United could potentially be in the race to sign Olympique Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann in the upcoming transfer window.

According to The Athletic on 19 May, the Ligue 1 club would consider listening to offers of around £21.6million for the USMNT international in the summer.

The news outlet reports that the 24-year-old, whose contract at the Groupama Stadium expires in 2029, wants to focus on the 2026 World Cup and is expected to decide his future after if bids are made.

Tessmann has been linked with a move to Elland Road and Lyon aren’t expected to stand in their way.

Daniel Farke wants Paraag Marathe to back him at the West Yorkshire outfit in terms of squad investment and it will be interesting to see whether a move for the American midfielder materialises in the coming months.

Tanner Tessmann transfer may backfire at Leeds United

Brenden Aaronson has thrived at Leeds this season, but it has taken the former Red Bull Salzburg star time to prove himself under Farke.

The American playmaker’s place in the starting lineup isn’t guaranteed ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, as the German manager hasn’t been reluctant to drop key players if needed.

Tessmann may be a highly-rated prospect at Lyon, but the Elland Road faithful have seen the likes of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie struggle in LS11.

Lyon’s USMNT star will undoubtedly have to hit the ground running if he signs for the West Yorkshire outfit to avoid comparisons with some of his compatriots who have failed at the club.

Daniel Farke set for tactical change at Elland Road

Farke has found success with the 5-3-2 formation at Leeds, going against his usual style of play to avoid Premier League relegation.

The German manager seemingly went against his identity to ensure survival at the Whites, but he may want to change things up again next season.

Farke is the sort of head coach who values his ideas and it won’t come as a surprise if he wants the West Yorkshire outfit to play front-foot, attacking football in the coming months.

The 49-year-old head coach will surely require quality players to dominate possession against teams in the English top flight and the summer transfer strategy will make things clear.