DONE DEALS – Beto Signs for Leeds United, £20M Centre-back is here to Partner Joe Rodon, Top-class 25-year old ‘stat monster’ Joins and £25m Man City star better than Kalvin Philips ARRIVES to Elland Road — SEE Leeds Dream XI that will make Daniel Farke Unstoppable in the Premier League next season

Leeds United will aim to assemble a squad capable of surviving in the increasingly challenging Premier League.

Leeds United are only a few weeks away from what chairman Paraag Marathe called their most significant summer in decades. The transfer window opens next month, and with it, Elland Road recruitment officials will be tasked with assembling a team strong enough to close the widening gap between the Championship and the Premier League.

Talk around potential signings is already ramping up, with reinforcements required across the pitch as Daniel Farke looks to enhance an already solid core. Premier-level upgrades are needed in goal and up front, while new additions would be welcomed in most other areas due to a lack of depth.

Leeds have already been connected with several exciting prospects and as supporters weigh in on each link, the YEP has attempted to put together the strongest possible XI if those rumours come to fruition. See below for who makes the lineup.

GK: Djordje Petrovic

Strasbourg’s Serbian goalkeeper #01 Djordje Petrovic makes a safe during the French L1 football match between RC Strasbourg Alsace and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Meinau in Strasbourg, eastern France, on May 3, 2025. (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP) (Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images)

TEAMtalk reported this week that Leeds were ‘seriously considering’ a move for Petrovic, who has had a standout season on loan at Strasbourg. The 25-year-old is dubbed a ‘stat monster’ due to Ligue 1’s highest save percentage at 75 per cent, with his Chelsea future unclear.

RB: Jayden Bogle
Continues to impress at Leeds, with his £5m summer fee looking better with every game. The real test will be how he handles the world’s top wingers defensively.

CB: Leonardo Balerdi

RENNES, FRANCE – JANUARY 11: Leonardo Balerdi of Olympique de Marseille celebrates victory at full-time following the Ligue 1 match between Stade Rennais FC 1901 and Olympique de Marseille at Roazhon Park on January 11, 2025 in Rennes, France. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Leeds are said to be assessing a move for the 26-year-old right-sided centre-back, who might be available for around £20m and is believed to be interested in a Premier League switch. Would bring strong competition for Joe Rodon, who may well keep his place after a superb individual season.

CB: Pascal Struijk
The debate over whether Struijk or Ethan Ampadu should play left centre-back continues, but when unsure, it’s wise to field as many top players as possible—so the Dutchman gets the nod. His threat on set pieces will be crucial in games Leeds aren’t expected to control.

LB: Junior Firpo
Currently poised to depart as a free agent and told the YEP last month that Leeds haven’t indicated their intentions.

He spoke openly about his struggles in the Premier League previously and may be eager to prove himself at that level, if healthy and used in a suitable system.

The value of a consistent back-four can’t be overstated, and there’s been little recent noise about interest in left-backs.

CDM: Ethan Ampadu
Struijk’s inclusion at centre-back enables the Leeds captain to play in his most natural role, and that added grit will be vital against elite-level attacks. Had a tough time at Sheffield United in the Premier League but has improved drastically since.

CM: Ao Tanaka
Tanaka winning Players’ Player of the Season earlier this month shows how highly he’s rated by the Leeds squad. Appears more than prepared to step up to the Premier League.

RW: Dan James
Secured his place as the starting right-winger with a brilliant haul of 12 goals and nine assists in the league, but will face tougher tests against higher-calibre full-backs. His speed could be a key weapon on the counter, while his defensive work-rate will also be important.

CAM: James McAtee

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: James McAtee of Manchester City holding the match ball following the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Manchester City and Salford City at Etihad Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Angus Kinnear confirmed McAtee was a target last year, and new reports suggest Leeds may compete with other Premier League clubs for him. Manchester City reportedly want around £25m for the attacking midfielder, who would raise the technical standard in the No.10 role.

LW: Manor Solomon
Leeds are keen to make Solomon’s loan move permanent, and his recent showings make it clear why. Spurs are expected to entertain offers, but competition is likely, with Everton and Southampton also linked recently amid talk the Israeli international could cost between £15-20m.

ST: Beto

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 1: Beto of Everton celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Leicester City FC at Goodison Park on February 1, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Sky Sports first reported Leeds’ interest in Beto earlier this week, with Everton manager David Moyes planning a forward-line revamp. The YEP understands a deal would be complicated for several reasons, but the 27-year-old would bring top-flight experience, physical strength, and a respectable goal threat.