Leeds handed perfect chance to seal new signing as Fulham’s Marco Silva speaks out
Leeds United will already have been well underway with their summer transfer mission behind-the-scenes ever since promotion was confirmed.
Irons will have been in the fire long before Saturday’s Championship finale at Plymouth Argyle (3 May), from which Daniel Farke will aim to navigate a 100-point champions campaign.
The Leeds ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, know exactly what is required for the Premier League having seen each of the last six promoted clubs fall immediately by the wayside – this season by a huge margin.
Leeds United can seal first signing after what Fulham said
Leeds boast one of the most gifted Championship squads the second tier has ever seen, proven by their anticipated century of points.
This has even come after losing several of their star-studded team to the Premier League, where next season they could renew acquaintances with Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Archie Gray.
Leeds have now been linked with Ipswich Town right-back Ben Johnson (The Sun, 2 May), whose Tractor Boys side have been doomed to relegation for some time – confirmed last Saturday after losing at Newcastle United.
They were reported to be rivalling Fulham for the 25-year-old right-back, but Marco Silva has revealed via Sky Sports (1 May) that Johnson is not on their radar, and the Cottagers’ priority is instead to renew the contract of Kenny Tete.
Silva’s comments are likely to leave the field open for Leeds, who may be deliberating over upgrading their right-back department.
Jayden Bogle struggled last term in the top flight with Sheffield United, while Isaac Schmidt remains unproven, and both-sided full-back option Sam Byram is approaching the end of his deal this June.
49ers will make plethora of new signings this summer
Leeds know that to buck the trend of newly-promoted clubs dropping straight back into the Championship, they will have to invest.
Paraag Marathe and his 49ers team have been diligent and worked closely with Farke and the recruitment staff since taking over in 2023, and will be expected to loosen the pursestrings even further.
| Leeds right-back options (with Johnson) | PL appearances |
| Ben Johnson (potential) | 91 |
| Sam Byram | 59 |
| Jayden Bogle | 50 |
| Isaac Schmidt | 0 |
Farke will want to prove he has what it takes in the Premier League, too, having failed with Norwich City in two top-tier spells – albeit on what some have highlighted to be a measly budget.
Johnson has Premier League experience and could be a smart option for Leeds, who will be one of many clubs attempting to raid the likes of Ipswich, Leicester City and Southampton for their star turns.