adminLeeds United’s Transfer Strategy Comes into Focus: Bijol Deal Nears Completion as Focus Shifts to Left-Back and Midfield Targets
By Kieran King | Leeds Live | 22 June 2025
Leeds United are swiftly making moves in the summer transfer market as manager Daniel Farke looks to bolster his squad for the 2025/26 campaign. With the club narrowly missing out on promotion last season, there’s a renewed sense of urgency at Elland Road to fine-tune the squad in key positions and ensure they mount a serious push for the Premier League this time around.
The Whites have already begun their summer business with the signing of forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg. Now, their second acquisition appears imminent — the arrival of centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese in a deal worth £18 million. But with Bijol’s signing set to be finalized, attention has quickly turned to two priority areas: left-back and central midfield.
Jaka Bijol Set to Strengthen Leeds’ Back Line
Bijol, a 26-year-old Slovenian international, has been on Leeds’ radar for several months. His commanding presence, aerial dominance, and experience in Serie A make him a valuable addition to a Leeds side that struggled defensively at times last season. Standing at 6’5″, Bijol brings not only physicality but also composure on the ball, a trait Daniel Farke highly values in his centre-backs.
The Whites had to fend off last-minute interest from Premier League side Newcastle United to secure Bijol’s signature — a clear sign of his rising stock in European football. Having completed his medical last week, the official confirmation of his signing is expected in the coming days, making him Leeds’ second summer arrival after Nmecha.
Left-Back Reinforcements: Firpo Likely to Depart, Gudmundsson on the Radar
Following the anticipated completion of the Bijol deal, Leeds’ next priority lies in shoring up the left-back position. Junior Firpo, who joined from Barcelona in 2021, is out of contract and heavily linked with a move to Real Betis. While Firpo has yet to formally decline Leeds’ offer, sources suggest he is leaning towards a return to La Liga, with Betis reportedly preparing a three-year deal for the 28-year-old.
Should Firpo finalize his move, Leeds will need a capable and immediate replacement — and Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson has emerged as a top candidate. The 25-year-old Sweden international has been with the Ligue 1 club since 2021, having previously made a name for himself at Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie.
Gudmundsson is coming off a strong 2024/25 season, during which he made 45 appearances and helped Lille secure a fifth-place finish, narrowly missing out on a Champions League spot. With only one year remaining on his contract, the versatile left-back could be available at a reasonable price, and Leeds are believed to be seriously considering an approach.
However, competition for Gudmundsson’s signature is heating up. Burnley and Everton are reportedly also interested in the Swede, which could prompt Leeds to act quickly. Another player on their radar is Wolves’ Hugo Bueno, a Spanish U21 international. Reports from Marca claim that Leeds are “very keen” on the promising full-back, who has shown flashes of quality in the Premier League despite limited game time.
Midfield Next on the Agenda: Sadiki and Hamer Under Consideration
The departure of Josuha Guilavogui at the end of his contract and Joe Rothwell’s return to Bournemouth have left gaps in the Leeds midfield. Strengthening this area is the next key focus for Farke and the recruitment team.
Enter Noah Sadiki — a rising star in Belgian football. The 20-year-old DR Congo international had a breakout year at Union Saint-Gilloise (USG), playing a crucial role in their historic title-winning campaign. Sadiki made 55 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, including 10 in the Europa League, showcasing his versatility, tactical awareness, and work rate.
Typically deployed as a defensive or box-to-box midfielder, Sadiki’s adaptability also allows him to slot into more advanced roles or even as part of a defensive line when needed. Leeds are reportedly very interested and have already submitted a bid worth £8.5 million in an attempt to lure him to Elland Road.
Sadiki would represent a long-term investment, with his best years still ahead of him, but Leeds are not putting all their eggs in one basket. Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer remains an alternative option. The Dutch-born Brazilian was expected to leave the Blades after they failed to secure promotion, but new manager Rubén Sellés may attempt to convince him to stay. Still, Leeds maintain an interest and may test Sheffield’s resolve in the coming weeks.
What’s Next? Focus Likely to Shift to the Forward Line
Once the defensive and midfield reinforcements are secured, Leeds are expected to turn their attention to bolstering their forward options. With Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph potentially leaving this summer, the squad would be light in attack, despite the additions of Nmecha and the continued presence of Joel Piroe.
Nmecha brings versatility and top-level experience but has faced recurring injury issues. Piroe, while capable of delivering goals, thrives better with a strong supporting cast. Adding one more proven striker would offer Leeds the depth and tactical flexibility needed for a grueling Championship campaign — or potentially, a return to the Premier League if they secure promotion.
The Road Ahead for Leeds United
As the transfer window unfolds, Leeds United’s recruitment strategy is becoming increasingly clear: smart, position-specific acquisitions that blend experience with youth. The Bijol deal addresses an urgent need for defensive solidity. Gudmundsson or Bueno could offer much-needed dynamism and consistency on the left flank. And in midfield, the creativity and control that Sadiki or Hamer could bring would balance the team’s structure and tempo.
Crucially, the club is looking to reinforce without sacrificing its core philosophy — a blend of pressing intensity, technical quality, and positional discipline that Daniel Farke champions. Each incoming transfer appears to be aligned with this vision, indicating that Leeds are not merely chasing names, but building a coherent, competitive squad for the long haul.
Fans will be eager to see how quickly the new signings adapt, and whether the club can finalize deals for its top targets before the start of pre-season. With promotion ambitions firmly in place, Leeds United are pressing forward — and if the next two signings go to plan, they could be setting the foundation for a triumphant 2025/26 campaign.
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