Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Gabriel Gudmundsson and are closing in on Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff.
Their approach to recruitment has acquired Leeds United four new additions already, while Longstaff’s £12 million switch to Leeds is progressing well, too.
The 27-year-old should be the fifth through the door for the 49ers and Daniel Farke after Gudmundsson joined Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, and Sebastiaan Bornauw ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Leeds cheekily leaked the player after progress and talks accelerated for Gudmundsson last week — and since then the terms of Gudmundsson’s Leeds deal have been revealed.
Gudmundsson will be one of Leeds’ highest earners now and Longstaff is expected to soon follow. But just how many players do Leeds then need? And in which positions? We take a look, here.
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The positions Leeds are still set to target in the transfer window
Should Leeds acquire Longstaff, they will still need to sign at least six between now and the end of the window, irrespective of incomings and outgoings.
Per Leeds United News sources, a ruthless approach to squad building is being undertaken to get the squad ready for top flight football. It means signing both floor and ceiling-raisers in the process.
A first-choice goalkeeper
Leeds simply have to sign a new number-one this summer. They require someone of a much higher and more consistent level to Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow.
Having a first-choice who is reliable is paramount and Leeds will save themselves goals and points if they get this one right this summer. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic is one with serious Leeds interest.
Full-back cover
Irrespective of the situation surrounding Sam Byram extending his deal and with Isaac Schmidt’s future uncertain, Leeds need at least one more defensive-minded full-back.
If they can get another player capable of operating on both sides, then that would be ideal. However, it’s possible that two defensive full-backs on each side could still be brought in during the transfer window.
Another central midfielder
Leeds will look to add to Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Ilia Gruev and Longstaff further with an extra central player at the base of their midfield, and a Leeds move for Anton Stach is now out in the open.
However, they have alternatives should that fall through. Leeds have to give themselves a blend of physicality and athleticism, combined with the technical attributes to survive and defend deep.
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An attacking midfielder
Leeds will sign a more advanced midfielder this summer. The number of midfielders they are after gives them the flexibility to adapt to different game states, teams, and any other circumstances thrown their way.
A 4-2-3-1 has predominantly been Daniel Farke’s go-to system, but a 4-3-3 and other back-three systems are also likely to see some utilisation next term. However, a No.10 will give Leeds the ability to be more attacking when required.
An extra winger
Leeds have Dan James, Willy Gnonto, and Largie Ramazani left over from last season, meaning there is no current rush to sign another wide player, especially with Jack Harrison’s return from loan.
That said, they won’t all be at the club come September and the close of the window, and another wide player of high quality is also in the offing after Manor Solomon’s loan also ended.
A starting striker
Of course, Leeds have an abundance of striking options at present. It is not expected for them all to remain, though. Leeds have to sign a reliable Premier League-level nine on top of that.
Nmecha and Patrick Bamford have too many injury concerns to rely on them consistently. Joel Piroe isn’t well-suited to the role and Leeds are currently openly pursuing Rodrigo Muniz.
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