Leeds transfer targets summer 2025: Club eye big-money spree after promotion

Leeds United are preparing to make a major splash in the summer transfer window following their promotion back to the Premier League. With an expected transfer budget exceeding £100 million, the club is aiming to bolster every area of the squad in a bid to compete at the highest level of English football.

Manager Daniel Farke and the recruitment team have identified several priority targets across all positions. From goalkeepers to forwards, here is a comprehensive look at the names being linked with a move to Elland Road this summer.

Leeds transfer targets summer 2025: Latest rumours

*Fees based on Transfermarkt's current valuations. Subject to change.

Nick Pope – Newcastle United

Following a series of underwhelming performances from Illan Meslier towards the end of last season, Leeds are prioritising a new first-choice goalkeeper. According to Football Insider, Newcastle’s Nick Pope has emerged as a key target.

The experienced England international, who is under contract until 2026, would enter the final 12 months of his deal in July. Leeds believe Pope's quality and Premier League pedigree would significantly raise standards between the posts.

Sean Longstaff – Newcastle United

Leeds’ recruitment focus on Newcastle continues, with midfielder Sean Longstaff now emerging as a target. According to GIVEMESPORT, the Englishman is entering the final year of his contract, potentially opening the door for a cut-price move.

With Newcastle likely keen to avoid losing him for free next summer, Leeds may look to capitalise. Everton are also reportedly in the mix for his signature.

Igor Paixao – Feyenoord

Brazilian winger Igor Paixao is one of the main forwards being monitored closely by Leeds this summer.

As reported by CaughtOffside, Leeds have made an enquiry for the Feyenoord star, who contributed 16 goals and 14 assists in the Eredivisie last season.

Paixao is under contract until 2029, and reports suggest Feyenoord could seek a fee in the region of €25–40 million (£21–£34 million) for the wide man.

Kalvin Phillips – Manchester City

According to Team Talk, Leeds are considering a potential return of Kalvin Phillips to the club, with the defensive midfielder out of favour at Manchester City. After all, Phillips only played in 16 Premier League games for the Citizens and spent the last season on loan at West Ham and Ipswich.

So, the 29-year-old could very well be open to returning to his former team, where he went through the youth ranks and spent eight years with the senior squad as well.

Japhet Tanganga – Millwall

Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a move for Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga, as per GIVEMESPORT. The former Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate could represent excellent value for money, with a release clause set at just under £2 million.

Having impressed during his time in the Championship, Tanganga is seen as a budget-friendly defensive reinforcement. Leeds are not alone in their interest, however, with fellow newly promoted sides Sunderland and Burnley also monitoring the situation.

Gustavo Hamer—Sheffield United

Leeds are also exploring midfield reinforcements, and Sheffield United's Gustavo Hamer has emerged as a target.

According to talkSPORT, the Whites are keen on the Brazilian-born midfielder, who was named the Championship Player of the Year for the 2024–25 season.

Hamer registered 10 goals and eight assists, helping to propel the Blades to the playoff final, where they fell short against Sunderland. With promotion hopes dashed, Sheffield could now face pressure to cash in, but Leeds will need to fend off interest from Everton.

Mario Pasalic – Atalanta

Time is running out for the team from Bergamo to either resign or sell Pasalic, with his contract with Atalanta due to expire at the end of June. That is one of the reasons why many teams are lining up for his signature, as he will likely be available for a low price or even free.

The experienced midfielder is valued at £8.5 million by Transfermarkt, but if Leeds are prepared to wait a bit, they could enter the race to sign Pasalic as a free agent. Of course, that comes with a risk of losing him, so Leeds might opt to pay a small fee to give themselves a better chance of landing the midfielder.

Rodrigo Muniz – Fulham

Per the Evening Standard, Leeds have had a bid for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz rejected by the West London club.

Muniz, 24, scored 11 goals across all competitions for Fulham in the 2024-25 season but is currently on the sidelines with an injury which ruled him out of Fulham's final seven matches.

For Leeds, Muniz presents Premier League experience, physical presence and a decent threat in front of goal, exactly what Farke believes they need in the top flight.

Fulham, however, appear determined to keep their promising forward, who has one year left on his current deal, and talks are expected to commence over an extension sooner rather than later.

Whisper+ hot rumour: Nikola Krstovic (Leece)

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Leeds United are lining up a summer swoop for Lecce’s dynamic striker Nikola Krstovic and have already tabled an opening offer.

The Montenegrin forward was instrumental in keeping his side afloat during the 2024-25 season, contributing an impressive 11 goals and five assists.

Should Leeds manage to get a deal over the line for Krstovic, he would be their second offensive acquisition of the summer after Lukas Nmecha.