Leeds United have made early inroads into the summer window with the signing of Harry Wilson on a free transfer, and the Whites are pushing hard to make a second addition.
Against all the odds, Leeds have convinced Wilson to sign on a free transfer. It comes after Wilson almost joined Leeds last summer on deadline day, before producing the best form of his career during 25-26.
Ampadu, Charles and Stach in midfield next season 🔥
Are you excited by his arrival?
Wilson had a hand in 17 goals for Fulham in the Premier League last season. That form caught the eye of bigger clubs in European football, but Leeds have managed to convince Wilson to move to Elland Road.
A great start, but Leeds are expected to make four or five further additions before the end of the window. Julian Brandt, Lloyd Kelly and Zion Suzuki have been linked, as has Southampton star Shea Charles.
Leeds table second offer for Southampton’s Charles
Daniel Farke is a known admirer of Southampton ace Charles and after the Saints were kicked out of the play-offs, Leeds are looking to take advantage. The Whites’ initial £20m offer was rejected last month.
Now, The Mail claim Leeds have returned with a second offer for the Northern Ireland international. A bid of £23m has been tabled for Charles, a player Leeds legend Stuart Dallas has described as “outstanding”.
It is claimed that the bid also includes add-ons, which Leeds hope will convince Southampton who want a total package worth £30m. The Saints want such a big fee due to a 15% sell-on clause owed to Man City.
Why Leeds United want to sign a new midfielder
Charles is the full package. Young, yet experienced. Proven, yet before his peak. The Saints midfielder was easily one of the best in the Championship last season. Hayden Hackney is another; he’s joined Everton.
How Leeds could line-up in 2026-27 with four new arrivals 👀
Suzuki, Charles, Brandt and Wilson all linked.
Leeds are well-stocked in midfield. They have Ethan Ampadu, who starts regardless. Anton Stach was probably Leeds’ best signing last season, while Ao Tanaka and Sean Longstaff impressed in glimpses.
Four very solid central midfielders. Ilia Gruev brings up the rear, though the Bulgarian is out of contract at the end of next season. German clubs want Tanaka, who has just been knocked out of the World Cup.
With Charles potentially incoming, it would mean Leeds have to make a decision on their current options. Leeds have already cashed in on Pascal Struijk due to his contract, and Gruev may suffer the same fate.
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