Leeds United are closing on their first signing of the summer transfer window after agreeing a move to land Harry Wilson, and it is a move that will have Marcelo Bielsa feeling mixed emotions.
It emerged earlier this week that Leeds are set to sign Wales star Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham. It is a move that comes as a bit of a surprise, despite Leeds coming close to his signing 12 months ago.
Last summer, Leeds were within an inch of landing him. Wilson was even keen on doing a deal, but the deal came to a halt moments before the deadline as Fulham failed to bring in their attacking targets.
GET HIM IN: Harry Wilson’s stats compared to Leeds’ attacking midfielders last season 😮
All stats from 2025-26 Premier League season.
After the best season of his career, in which Wilson had a hand in 17 Premier League goals for Fulham, there was a feeling that while Leeds were interested, the calibre of Leeds’ rivals may prevent a transfer.
However, David Ornstein reported this week that Leeds have won the race to sign Wilson and a medical is incoming. Marcelo Bielsa will be delighted to see Leeds sign Wilson, but perhaps a little frustrated, too.
Why Marcelo Bielsa will be delighted with Wilson signing
One of Bielsa’s first Leeds games in charge saw him take his side to Frank Lampard’s Derby, before the Spygate scandal, and win 4-1 away from home. It was a Derby side that included an on-loan Wilson.
Speaking after the game, Bielsa described Derby’s attacking talents Mason Mount, Wilson, and others as “exceptional” players. He will be joyous to see Leeds sign a player that he has rated for such a long while.
But Marcelo Bielsa will be frustrated as well
During his three and a half years at Leeds, Bielsa was regularly linked with Wilson. Had Leeds gone up in his first season, TalkSPORT reported in 2019 that he wanted to sign Wilson for Leeds that summer.
But of course, Leeds lost to Wilson’s Derby in the play-off semi-finals and nothing materialised. It might be that Bielsa will be frustrated because clearly, he would have liked to have Wilson in his Leeds side.
How Leeds could line-up with Wilson and other targets
Wilson is not the only player Leeds are expected to sign this summer, and he might not be the only no.10 either. Of course, Wilson can play out wide and has been used as a right-winger by Fulham in 2025-26.
How Leeds could line-up in 2026-27 with four new arrivals 👀
Suzuki, Charles, Brandt and Wilson all linked.
For Wales, Wilson plays deeper, operating almost as a no.8. With Julian Brandt also targeted by Leeds, and the likes of Shea Charles and Zion Suzuki also linked with Leeds, Farke may adopt a 3-4-2-1 system.
Wilson is a great start for Leeds, but more needs to be done, especially if Chelsea make their move for Gabriel Gudmundsson. Plenty to do, but Wilson is a real signal of intent from Leeds and The 49ers.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
