Leeds United record signings ranked as Ousmane Diomande deal could top them all

Ousmane Diomande could become Leeds' record signing this summer.

The Whites are reportedly trying to finalise a deal for the Ivorian defender, but Sporting's financial demands are complex.

The 22-year-old seems to want to move to the Premier League, so the Elland Road side have encouragement.

A Bola reports that the Peacocks are willing to go further than they ever have before, and offer the biggest fee in their history.

It states that a figure around the £43million mark could be enough to seal his signature, which would eclipse Leeds' previous highest fee with ease.

MOT Leeds News ranks the LS11 side's record signings amid the latest update on Diomande.

5.) Rio Ferdinand - £22.4m - West Ham to Leeds United

The fee for Rio Ferdinand is the fifth highest figure that the Whites have paid for a player.

He helped the Yorkshire club reach the Champions League semi-finals in the 2000-01 season and was named as club captain in August 2001.

He was sold due to Leeds' financial issues in 2002, with a controversial move to Manchester United.

4.) Dan James - £25m - Manchester United to Leeds United

Dan James went the opposite way to Ferdinand when he joined the Whites in a £25m deal in August 2021.

The Welshman was a pivotal figure as Farke's side secured promotion back to the Premier League in the 2024-25 season.

He notched 12 goals and nine assists in 36 Championship matches, but has been unable to replicate that form in the top-flight.

3. Rodrigo - £25.8m - Valencia to Leeds United

Rodrigo arrived at Elland Road for a fee of £25.8m in 2020, but never really lived up to expectations consistently enough.

He notched 28 goals and five assists in 97 matches for the Peacocks, which is an underwhelming return.

He departed when the club were relegated in 2023, joining Qatari side Al-Rayyan SC for an undisclosed fee.

2.) Brenden Aaronson - £28m - Red Bull Salzburg to Leeds United

Aaronson signed for the Whites in 2022 in a £28m deal from Red Bull Salzburg.

He is still with the Whites, and starred in the Premier League last season, with four goals and five assists.

He had to earn his stripes again with the fanbase after leaving to join Union Berlin on loan after they were relegated in 2023.

1.) Georginio Rutter - £34m - Hoffenheim to Leeds United

Georginio Rutter is the Yorkshire club's current record signing, with a £34m fee.

The Frenchman quickly won the hearts and minds of supporters, scoring eight and assisting 18 goals for the Whites.

He departed after relegation and joined Brighton, where he has continued to thrive.