Leeds United have just completed a deal to sign Noah Okafor from AC Milan, but already Daniel Farke has his name on another new signing.
So far this summer, Leeds United have signed nine new players, and the Whites have spent well with the 49ers’ total spending now close to £100million.
On Thursday evening Leeds United confirmed the signing of Noah Okafor from AC Milan in a deal worth £18million and it’s another exciting signing from the continent.
As his next signing though, Daniel Farke could turn towards England, and towards the Premier League, with defender James Hill now being mentioned.
Leeds United now want to sign James Hill from Bournemouth
Soon after Okafor was announced as a Leeds player, Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam revealed on X that Leeds United are interested in signing Hill from Bournemouth. The defender, who operates as a full-back and also as a centre-back, is in the final year of his contract at the Vitality Stadium.
Hill broke through at Fleetwood Town and many might remember that he became one of the hottest talents in Europe at the time. Before Bournemouth signed him in 2022, Hill was being linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs, Barcelona and also Leeds United.
| Team | Apps | Goals | Assists |
| Fleetwood Town | 53 | 1 | 1 |
| Bournemouth | 25 | – | 1 |
| Blackburn Rovers | 20 | 1 | 4 |
| Hearts | 17 | – | – |
Then managed by Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds United were among the teams who were courting Hill, who Bournemouth managed to snap up for just a £1m fee. Interestingly, in November 2021 it was reported that Barcelona scouts had made the trip to Fleetwood Town to watch Hill in action. Barca’s representatives apparently watched Hill playing in a 1-0 defeat against Burton Albion.
Fast forward to now though, and Hill has somewhat stalled. Having made just 25 total appearances for the Cherries, spending time on loan with both Hearts and Blackburn without really making a huge impression.
Last season, Hill spent the campaign with Bournemouth featuring 10 times in the Premier League and 14 times in all competitions.
Why Leeds United want to sign James Hill
So far this summer, Farke’s Leeds United recruitment has been pretty well balanced. He signed attackers, midfielders, defenders, and a new goalkeeper too. But the full-back department, specifically on the right, could arguably do with another body before the summer transfer window closes on September 1st, and that’s where a potential move for Hill comes in.
At 23 years old, and in the final year of his Bournemouth contract, the Cherries might be willing to part ways with Hill for little more than the £1m fee that they paid for him previously, given how he’s done little to impress since then.
For Leeds, it could be a bit of a risk given how Hill hasn’t really fulfilled his potential, but he remains a player with time on his side and so he could eventually come good for Leeds, for whom it would be a smaller risk if they can sign him for a good fee.
Hill would surely get game time at Leeds United if he were to play at right-back, especially if Bogle were to pick up an injury which has already happened this summer.
Even at centre-back, if one or more players become injured then Hill could come into the thinking there, so for Hill and for Leeds United, it could be a good opportunity for the two to flourish together.
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