Credit: Imago

Jacob Raw

Thu 21 May 2026 7:40, UK

Leeds United have some glaring holes that need to be filled this summer amid Daniel Farke‘s talks for the future with the 49ers.

There were some concerns among the Whites’ fanbase that their head coach would be leaving after some cryptic comments before the 1-0 win over Brighton last weekend.

It’s now said that Farke is set for talks with Paraag Marathe and Co. over a three-year vision for the club, but the head coach has suggested that he will leave if plans don’t align with his ambitions.

There are multiple areas that need direct improvements this summer, but there are also other positions that lack strength in depth.

Farke will want several new players in the upcoming window, and the 49ers can’t afford to neglect some key areas.

Leeds need to extend contracts and add depth; here’s why

Ethan Ampadu could be given a new contract this summer, and that would keep starting strength in midfield, with Pascal Struijk also needing a new deal for the long-term future.

Lukas Nmecha will need to be offered a new deal, too, and if not, Leeds may seek to replace him, especially if Farke sticks with the 3-5-2 formation.

Gabriel Gudmundsson is someone who the Whites are happy with to start at left-wing back, but as seen this season, there is no natural cover for him if he gets innured.

James Justin’s versatility has been vital for Leeds, but it’s clear that a new left-wing back is needed, while Ilia Gruev will most likely need to be replaced this summer.

Ao Tanaka has been linked away, and if he were to leave, then a new man would need to fill his place, while left-footed centre-backs are also a rarity in LS11.

Adonis Storr has summed up Leeds’ depth well with this graphic that was posted on X, touching on some of these points.

If Karl Darlow is given a new deal, Leeds’ three main priorities would be a new attacking midfielder, a striker, and another left wing-back, though additions to centre-back and central midfield would depend on player departures.

Who are Leeds’ main transfer targets right now?

Leeds have been linked with many players over the past few weeks, but who are the most realistic targets, and who have the Whites been tipped to move for most?

Lois Openda has been heavily linked to Leeds to Leeds in recent weeks, with the striker set to return to RB Leipzig following a failed loan move to Juventus.

The Belgian could be available for around £30million this summer, and would provide direct competition with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but would also offer a different type of striker partnership over Nmecha.

Brenden Aaronson has come under fire for performances this season and will surely be someone Farke looks to upgrade this summer.

Harvey Elliott has been mooted to join the Whites following a failed loan move to Aston Villa, and the Liverpool star would be a realistic upgrade on Aaronson.

Openda seems like a top target, while Elliott seems to be a developing story, as Leeds have yet to be linked with a new left-wing back as of yet.