Step aside Dan James, Leeds United could soon surprise fans with a new biggest creative threat

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The objective at Leeds United over the course of the next 12 months is one thing, and one thing only. Securing survival in the Premier League, come May 2026.

Anything and everything from this point until then will be done in the hope that it contributes to securing a place in the 2026-27 Premier League campaign, as Leeds look to re-establish themselves at the top.

But that is easier said than done. The chasm between the Championship and the Premier League is now widening, with all three promoted teams relegated a year later, two Premier League seasons on the trot.

Alan Shearer thinks Leeds can buck that trend, but in order to do so – the recruitment must be spot on this summer. A new no.10 will be top of the agenda and Jack Rudoni is the latest name to be linked.

• READ MORE: Leeds told why they may have to fork out £50m to sign Nikola Krstovic

Jack Rudoni outdid Dan James in the Championship last season

Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Leeds like Coventry’s Rudoni, who has excelled in his first season with the Sky Blues since swapping Huddersfield Town for the CBS Arena in the summer of 2024.

Rudoni played a number of positions under Mark Robins and then Frank Lampard last season as Coventry recovered from a poor start to finish in the play-offs, having a hand in a whopping 23 goals and assists.

Of those 23, 22 came in the Championship – one more than Dan James managed, and James was one of three candidates for the Championship Player of the Season award. Of course, James did it in less games.

Rudoni v James in Championship last season:

Rudoni would replace Brenden Aaronson in Leeds’ side…

While Rudoni can play out wide or deeper as more of a no.8, his best role is behind the striker. That’s where the Coventry star was used most last season and if signed, would be competition for Aaronson.

To have one more goal involvement than James – even if he did play 1000 more minutes than James last season – is impressive. But compared to Aaronson last season, Rudoni was head and shoulders in front.

Not only did Rudoni produce double Aaronson’s involvements, but he did it in a similar amount of time. If the fee is affordable and not ridiculous, Leeds should do all they can to get Rudoni to Elland Road.