Last Updated: April 14, 2026 | 18:49 GMT
What Leeds United transfer targets are emerging for summer – and who could go?
While the immediate focus at Elland Road is firmly on Premier League survival, the recruitment team is already planning a transformative summer. The goalkeeping department is under close scrutiny, with Lucas Perri, Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier all potentially moving on.
Leeds are said to have made James Trafford a summer target, with the Manchester City back-up keeper open to an exit.
While Trafford would prefer to join a team competing at the upper end of the Premier League, Leeds could hold a key advantage in being able to offer Trafford regular starts from the off.
Beyond exits and goalkeeping reinforcements, Leeds scouts have been active across Europe – from the Eredivisie to Ligue 1 – tracking elite prospects. The aim is clear: provide Daniel Farke with the quality players needed to transform Leeds from relegation battlers into top-half challengers – assuming survival is secured.
With Red Bull’s growing influence in the boardroom opening doors to the next generation of global talent, the 2026 summer window is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious in the club’s modern history.
Scout Report: Why James Trafford move makes sense
A modern, proactive goalkeeper who is comfortable with the ball at his feet and confident operating behind a high defensive line.
Trafford is known for his composure in possession, clean distribution, and willingness to play out from the back, making him well suited to a build-up focused system.
He also offers strong shot-stopping ability and mobility off his line, allowing Leeds to defend more aggressively while maintaining protection in transition.
He’s viewed as a long-term No.1 option who can grow into the role, while raising the overall technical level and tactical flexibility of the defensive unit.
- Leeds United at risk of falling into Karl Darlow trap as new contract mooted
- Pascal Struijk delivers again for Leeds United, 49ers must reconsider
- Leeds United face Jorgen Strand Larsen deja vu as Wolves set for stubborn Ladislav Krejci stance
- Joe Rodon at risk of being left behind at Leeds United as 49ers handed transfer dilemma
- Leeds United writing on wall for Ilia Gruev, his preference to stay doesn’t matter
- Ladislav Krejci: Leeds United ready £26m transfer as Premier League safety inches closer
- Haji Wright transfer hopes diminished as Leeds set to miss out on potential wildcard
- Ladislav Krejci link provides hint into Daniel Farke’s plans at Leeds United
- Leeds must avoid falling into Hayden Hackney trap as transfer decision to be made in weeks
- Leeds United: James Justin’s contract examined as £10m gamble pays off
- Leeds United: Jack Harrison can change minds to complete £6.9m transfer
- Leeds United: Time up for Dan James after Daniel Farke’s grim injury verdict
- Raheem Sterling to Leeds United could happen after all as early Feyenoord exit expected
- Leeds United: 49ers have nowhere to hide as Harry Wilson ‘expected’ to join Aston Villa
- Leeds United may yet get Max Wober shop window opportunity as World Cup hopes alive
- Harvey Elliott could sign for Leeds United as Liverpool exit penned in for summer
- Ladislav Krejci passes Leeds United audition with flying colours as transfer talks held
- Hayden Hackney: Middlesbrough to demand premium from Leeds United amid POTS triumph
