NafisaLeeds United are already laying the groundwork for what could be one of the most important summers in recent memory, with plans underway to strengthen multiple areas of Daniel Farke’s squad following a respectable return to Premier League football.
After securing a 14th-place finish in their first campaign back among England’s elite, attention has quickly turned towards how the club can avoid second-season stagnation and continue progressing. The consensus inside Elland Road appears to be that survival was only the beginning, not the final objective.
That ambition has been reflected in the conversations surrounding recruitment. Leeds are exploring options across several positions, with upgrades expected in key areas of the first-team setup.
Farke himself has publicly spoken about the need for greater ambition, and supporters are eagerly awaiting signs that the club are prepared to match those expectations in the transfer market.
But while much of the focus naturally falls on established names and immediate-impact signings, another important strategy is quietly developing behind the scenes.
The 49ers ownership group remain determined to strengthen the club’s long-term future by identifying and attracting some of the brightest young prospects available. Leeds have increasingly viewed academy development as a major pillar of their project, not only from a footballing perspective but also as a way of building sustainable value within the club.
That approach appears to be paying off already.
In fact, Leeds are now closing in on what could become their first completed addition of the summer window, albeit one aimed more at the future than the present.
Leeds set to sign Manchester United winger Silva Mexes:
Silva Mexes has been strongly linked with a departure from Manchester United for some time, with Leeds having tracked the talented youngster closely over recent months.
The highly-rated 16-year-old winger has decided against extending his stay at Old Trafford and now looks set to continue his development at Elland Road instead.
An agreement has already been reached for Mexes to join Leeds, and the final formalities surrounding the move are expected to be completed shortly.
According to The Talent Hunter, the teenager will initially arrive on a scholarship agreement before transitioning onto a professional contract once he turns 17 in early 2027.
Leeds have successfully convinced both the player and his family about the pathway available at the club, with plans in place for him to initially work with the Under-18 and Under-21 squads.
The belief internally is that Mexes possesses the ability to progress rapidly through the development system and eventually challenge for opportunities within the senior setup.
The 49ers want to invest in youth
While the immediate priority remains strengthening the first-team squad ahead of the 2026/27 season, Leeds continue to place significant emphasis on academy recruitment and youth development.
The long-term vision is clear: attract elite young talent early, provide them with a structured pathway, and create a stronger pipeline of players capable of contributing at Premier League level.
Across modern football, clubs have increasingly recognised the importance of developing young players rather than relying solely on expensive transfers. Homegrown talents not only strengthen squads but can also generate substantial transfer income if they eventually move on.
Leeds are fully aware of that reality.
Even if every prospect does not ultimately become a first-team regular at Elland Road, the club still stands to benefit significantly from nurturing young players and increasing their market value over time.
That combination of sporting development and financial sustainability has become a crucial part of the modern Premier League model.
And with Silva Mexes now seemingly on the verge of swapping Manchester United for Leeds United, the Whites may have already secured one of the first building blocks of their future before the summer window has even fully begun.
Nafisa
