What Leeds United will have learned from watching the World Cup so far - From Noah Okafor to Folarin Balogun
Leeds United have had the joy of learning much so far from this year's World Cup tournament.
The Whites are gearing up for a crucial 2026-27 campaign in the Premier League and have been putting in the work behind closed doors while the World Cup has been playing out.
Daniel Farke will soon welcome his men back to Thorp Arch for the start of pre-season, and he'll hope to have at least one new signing by then.
Harry Wilson could soon be announced by the club after the winger agreed terms to come to Elland Road after his deal with Fulham expired.
However, Farke and Co. will also set their eyes on some of the outstanding talents at this year's World Cup, with some already being linked to LS11.
But Leeds have had their own World Cup stars to worry about in North America.
What Leeds have learnt about their own World Cup stars
Leeds waved goodbye to Brenden Aaronson, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Noah Okafor, who all jetted off to North America with their respective countries in June.
It's safe to say that the quarter have had varying times between them, with Okafor now the only remaining player representing the Whites at the World Cup.
Though it seemed like the winger made up with Switzerland boss Murat Yakin, he's only played one time at the World Cup, and may find it hard to play in the quarter-final showdown against Argentina on Sunday.
Gudmundsson played well for Sweden in the group stages, but didn't really stand a chance as his nation was knocked out by France in the Round of 32.
Mauricio Pochettino did something that Farke doesn't like to do with Aaronson, and that's to leave him on the bench, as the USA international failed to play against Belgium, watching his nation get smashed 4-1 from the sidelines.
Leeds staff have been in touch with Tanaka to console him after he made a mistake that cost Japan a place in the Round of 16, as Brazil capitalised on his error to win the game.
The midfielder will be given extra time off before returning to Thorp Arch.
What Leeds learned about their World Cup transfer targets
Leeds have been credited with interest in Folarin Balogun, who was on fire for the USA at the World Cup.
The striker has had some doubters due to his form only being proved in France's top tier, but he showed the Whites he's ready for the Premier League.
Ousmane Diomande is a defender whom Leeds have an interest in, but the centre-back had an underwhelming World Cup with Ivory Coast.
It could be that this has negatively affected his transfer price, something the 49ers may look to capitalise on in potential discussions with Sporting CP.