NafisaPre-season planning is already beginning to quietly take shape behind the scenes at Elland Road, with Leeds United once again expected to be active in the market as they look to sharpen their squad for the 2026-27 campaign.
After a demanding return to top-flight football, the focus has shifted towards identifying long-term additions who can develop within the club’s structure while still offering immediate potential.
There is also a growing emphasis on the academy setup, which has become an increasingly important pillar of Leeds’ wider recruitment model.
The club have been carefully monitoring emerging talent across different leagues, particularly players who fit the profile of technically gifted and high-upside prospects that can be moulded over time. That strategy has already started to bear fruit in recent windows, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
Leeds United have set their sights on signing Cai McGunnigle this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The West Yorkshire club have invited the 17-year-old forward on trial after he caught the eye while featuring for Hong Kong FC in the Hong Kong Premier League.
Leeds will have to go head-to-head with West Ham United and Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, who have also invited the Scotland Under-17 international to training stints as they evaluate potential moves for the youngster.
McGunnigle registered three goals and supplied one assist in only eight starts in the Hong Kong Premier League last season.
The attacker also holds the distinction of being the youngest ever goalscorer in the Hong Kong Premier League at just 16 years and one month old.
Leeds have added numerous players to their academy in recent months, and McGunnigle could soon become the latest addition to that growing list.
Leeds continue to eye academy signings
Leeds have been proactive in targeting emerging talents for their academy setup in recent months.
In February, the Peacocks confirmed the signing of Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher, who arrived from Manchester United and made a strong impression during the latter half of the campaign at youth level.
Alongside that, The Talent Hunter on 8 June reported that Silva Mexes is also set to join Leeds from the Red Devils, with the 16-year-old winger preparing to sign a scholarship deal at the club.
As a result, it is increasingly clear that the West Yorkshire outfit are keeping a close eye on the future this transfer window as they prepare for the 2026-27 season.
However, it remains uncertain whether McGunnigle will ultimately follow in the footsteps of these recent arrivals into Leeds’ academy system.
What are Leeds United’s transfer plans this summer?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Leeds United are targeting reinforcements in key areas, including a new goalkeeper, a midfielder, and a top-level striker this summer.
Daniel Farke is understood to have set out his expectations for the window, amid suggestions he could reassess his position if he is not sufficiently backed by the club hierarchy this summer.
The manager is not satisfied with merely surviving in the division and is pushing for Leeds to build momentum after their hard-fought return from a relegation battle.
Farke is also believed to want players capable of operating within a 3-5-2 system, which delivered a number of important results during the second half of the 2025-26 campaign.
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