Leeds United is piecing together a new squad on a tight budget, and the free agent market is where they’re doing most of their shopping right now. After selling Pascal Struijk to Brighton to stay in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, the club has some cash coming in but also needs to be careful with how they spend it.
They’ve already landed winger Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham, and a $43 million deal for 23-year-old defender Tarik Muharemovic is reportedly done. But with Struijk gone and a few other holes to fill, the team is looking at four out-of-contract players who could help without wrecking the wage structure.
John Stones is available but might take his time
The 32-year-old center back left Manchester City in June after winning just about everything there is to win. He’s from Barnsley, so a return to Yorkshire would make some sense geographically and emotionally. But according to reports, Stones might not make a decision until after the World Cup. That’s a problem for Leeds if they need someone in camp before the season starts. Still, a defender with his experience doesn’t hit the open market every day, so they might wait if they can.
Julian Brandt could bring some flair to the attack
Brandt is 30 and just finished an eight-year run with Borussia Dortmund. He can play out wide or in a more central attacking role, which gives Daniel Farke some flexibility. Real Betis and Besiktas are also in the mix, so Leeds would need to sell him on the project. The Premier League might be enough to tip it.
Oleksandr Zinchenko knows the league well
After stints at Manchester City and Arsenal, Zinchenko spent the second half of last season at Ajax. A knee injury cut that short, but he’s a versatile player who can slot in at left back or in midfield. He’s got Premier League experience and knows what it takes to compete at the top level. The question is whether his knee is fully right and if he’d take a step down to a mid-table club.
Axel Tuanzebe is looking for a home after back-to-back relegations
This one’s interesting. Tuanzebe came through Manchester United’s academy and had some decent moments there before moving on to Burnley. He played for DR Congo at the World Cup and did okay, but his last two club seasons ended in relegation with Ipswich and Burnley. That’s not all on him — Ipswich was a mess and Burnley had issues too — but it’s a tough sell. Hull City is reportedly interested, but Leeds could offer him a clearer path to playing time if they think he’s worth the gamble.
None of these deals are done yet, and the team hasn’t confirmed any serious negotiations. But with the transfer window ticking and a squad that needs depth, Leeds is clearly scanning the bargain bin for players who can still play at a high level.
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