Leeds United are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of a transfer target to provide Daniel Farke with a squad capable of securing promotion back to the Premier League.
Leeds undergoes major changes following playoff defeat
After their loss to Southampton in the Championship play-off final, Leeds have had a challenging summer. They have secured only three permanent signings: Joe Rodon following a successful loan, Jadon Bogle from Sheffield United, and goalkeeper Alex Cairns from Salford City. However, they have experienced a significant number of departures.
Archie Gray and Glen Kamara have both departed the club in deals totaling nearly £50 million. The sale of teenage star Gray to Spurs was crucial for keeping Leeds compliant with financial fair play rules after failing to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Additionally, several players on loan have left permanently, and long-term servant Luke Ayling has exited as a free agent along with Jamie Shackleton and Robin Koch.
| Leeds United exits so far | |
| Player | Fee |
| Archie Gray | £35m |
| Luis Sinisterra | £20m |
| Glen Kamara | £8.5m |
| Marc Roca | £3.8m |
| Charlie Cresswell | £3.8m |
| Diego Llorente | £2.7m |
| Sam Greenwood | Loan |
| Rasmus Kristensen | Loan |
| Jack Harrison | Loan |
| Darko Gyabi | Loan |
| Robin Koch | Free |
| Jamie Shackleton | Free |
| Luke Ayling | Free |
| Fees courtesy of Transfermarkt | |
Now, there are concerns that more departures may be imminent. Everton is reportedly in talks to sign Wilfried Gnonto for around £25 million. Additionally, Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville is drawing significant interest, with Fulham being the latest club attempting to lure him away from Yorkshire this summer.
In a potentially troubling development for the futures of Gnonto and Summerville at Elland Road, Leeds is increasing their interest in a new attacking target.
Leeds United Chasing 27-Goal Championship Attacker
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises have “formalized their interest” in Blackburn Rovers forward Sammie Szmodics. The Irish attacker finished the 2023/24 season as the Championship’s top goalscorer, netting 27 times in 44 appearances, including one in a 1-0 win at Elland Road.
Szmodics received high praise from his former manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, who called him “incredible” after his first career hat-trick against Cambridge United. Tomasson highlighted Szmodics’ development, team play, and goal-scoring prowess, noting his impressive transition to a senior player role.
Despite his success, Szmodics is in the final two years of his £15,000-a-week deal at Ewood Park and could leave this summer, with Leeds and newly-promoted Ipswich Town both showing interest. Although no fee has been mentioned, Blackburn reportedly rejected an initial bid from Ipswich and are holding out for around £20 million.