Daniel Farke has set his sights on a number of centre-backs going into this summer’s transfer window. But one might yet be set to join Wolves instead.
Leeds United won the Championship title last season, returning to the Premier League after a two-year hiatus in the second tier. But the hard work has only just begun for manager Daniel Farke.
So far we’ve seen a horde of players linked with Leeds United this summer and it looks like we might have our first new signing of the summer, and our first Leeds signing of 2025 in fact, in Jaka Bijol.
It’s being reported that Leeds United are trying hard to sign Bijol from Udinese in a deal that could cost the 49ers around £17million. But Bijol isn’t the only centre-back on Farke’s radar this summer, with links to Ipswich Town’s Dara O’Shea.
Lee Hendrie predicts who Leeds United transfer target Dara O’Shea will join
Leeds United are interested in signing O’Shea this summer. The Republic of Ireland international left Burnley to join Ipswich Town in an £18million deal last summer but couldn’t prevent the Tractor Boys from being relegated from the Premier League under Kieran McKenna.
However, Leeds aren’t alone in their interest: it’s also been reported that Wolves and Burnley are also considering a move, or a return in the Clarets’ case. Speaking to Football League World, pundit Lee Hendrie has given his verdict on O’Shea, admitting that he thinks Wolves is actually the best fit for O’Shea.
Hendrie said: “I think he is one of those defenders where you know what you are getting from him. He’s one of those solid performers, he leads by example, and I definitely think he’s got it in his locker to step up for any of those teams for sure.”
Hendrie went on to add: “Wolves would be a nice fit for him because of their style and the way they play. He’s a footballing defender so I think Wolves would be the perfect fit for him.”
Joe Rodon vs Dara O’Shea’s key stats in the 2024/25 season
A ‘footballing defender’ is actually, exactly, what Farke will want to sign this summer. Farke won’t diverge too far from his style of play despite promotion and so expect him to want another couple of centre-backs who are solid but also ball-players.
Joe Rodon is the perfect example. He’s a great fit for Leeds United and is often the player who starts attacks from the back. In the 2024/25 season, he dominated in terms of passing, and O’Shea was likewise in the campaign just gone at Portman Road.
| Stat (league) | O’Shea in 24/25 | Rodon in 24/25 | Rank |
| Passes PG | 34 | 75.1 | 3rd – 1st |
| Long balls PG | 2.7 | 2.7 | 1st – 2nd |
| Clearances PG | 6.2 | 5 | 1st – 1st |
| Pass % | 79 | 92 | 9th – 1st |
Of course, O’Shea’s stats will differ given how he was playing in a struggling Premier League side and Rodon in a title-winning Championship side. But O’Shea certainly held his own in the key areas and it surely makes him a good fit for Leeds United, despite Hendrie’s comments.
But expect O’Shea to be a backup name for Rodon. Farke may be hesitant about having two of the same centre-backs on the pitch, with perhaps a more aerial and physical-focused player alongside the passer being the best set up.
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