Jeff Stelling namedrops Jack Grealish to explain what Leeds United ‘desperately need’ after new transfer

Leeds United have been brought back down to reality following their 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal.

Leeds United’s heavy defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates has left Daniel Farke and Leeds looking for more as the transfer window approaches its end.

The Whites have already made 10 new signings this summer, as Leeds look to become the first promoted side to stay in the Premier League since the 202/23 season.

Daniel Farke looking down whilst on the touchline.
Credit: Imago

James Justin isn’t the ‘marquee signing’ Leeds ‘desperately need

However, it is thought that Leeds might be missing a certain element that could be key throughout the season, specifically a talisman that could change games for them.

Leeds’ most recent signing is the £8million acquisition of James Justin from Leicester City.

talkSPORT host Jeff Stelling claims that the Justin signing doesn’t necessarily move the needle for Leeds fans.

He said: “James Justin’s been a very good player, good enough to win England caps but he’s struggled for form in the last couple of seasons.

“I’m not having a go at James Justin, what I think Leeds desperately need is a sort of marquee signing that they really splash the cash.”

Leeds most expensive signing of the window is Noah Okafor, costing £18million from AC Milan.

PlayerTransfer fee (£)
Noah Okafor – AC Milan18million
Anton Stach – Hoffenheim17.4million
Jaka Bijol – Udinese17million
Leeds’ most expensive signings of the 2025/26 summer transfer window.

Stelling continued: ” I think they need to bring a Jack Grealish-type figure in, somebody who fans can really get excited about.

“However well James Justin does, the fans are not going to get excited about signing a full-back.”

Leeds have been dealt a further blow in landing a ‘Jack Grealish-type figure’, as Nottingham Forest now look to be the favourites to sign Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa.

Read more: Newcastle suffer triple blow ahead of Leeds United clash including ‘unbelievable’ player

Leicester City defender James Justin
Credit: Imago

Justin provides Premier League experience Leeds currently lack

Whilst it’s perhaps not the most exciting signing, Justin certainly offers experience and reliability that many of his fellow new teammates don’t have.

Justin was part of Leicester’s FA Cup-winning squad in 2021 and played an influential role in securing back-to-back fifth-placed finishes for the Foxes.

The attacking full-back was also ever-present last season, starting 36 Premier League matches as Leicester suffered relegation.

StatJames Justin
Appearances169
Goals11
Assists7
Stats during James Justin’s Leicester career (all competitions).

Brough in to provide competition to Jayden Bogle, Justin’s Premier League pedigree will no doubt be of use to Daniel Farke and his squad.

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