Leeds Transfer Rumours

22 Sep 2026 12:18:40
Following on from my post yesterday (name the players you would like Leeds to have signed over the years - simple rules: must be realistic, you can only sign people we could have afforded at the time and, must be in the time period you've been following Leeds) .

You are allowed to choose players we were linked with, on the verge of signing but didn't or simply someone you wish we'd signed.

Here's my X1:

1- Peter Shilton (if Cloughie had remained, he would have signed him)

2 - John Gidman (we should have signed him around 77/78, excellent full back at the Villa at the time)

3 - Ben Chilwell (a lot of us were calling for cover at left back - he's an excellent player. Wages would be an issue though)

Centre backs - Bobby Moore (wanted to sign for Leeds according to his wife Tina) and Kevin Beattie (not aware of him being linked with us but he would have made a brilliant replacement for Norman Hunter)

Midfield -
Graeme Souness (we were in discussions in the mid 70s - direct replacement for King Billy)

James Garner (we should have beaten Everton for his signature!)

Gerrie Muhren (a bit left field this one - Arnold Muhren's older brother. Ipswich went for Arnold in the late 70s. Pity we didn't go for this brilliant playmaker a couple of years earlier)

Upfront -
Andy Gray (Villa took the chance on the Scot and he proved to be an out and out goalscorer - if only we had gone for him when big Joe Jordan went)

Trevor Francis (another we would have got had Cloughie remained - Francis always said that he wanted to play for Leeds)

Jared Bowen (could/should have signed him during Bielsa's reign, and should have had another go this summer)


Your turn guys - Baz mentioned Pat Jennings yesterday, an excellent choice.

JR also suggested 'your worst X1', those we should never have signed!

I'm going to add Roque Junior to his list!

Fire away with your choices guys - you've got a couple of weeks to kill before we play again: (.

22 Sep 2026 12:35:38
Great selection choices there Cleggy

My list so far.

Pat Jennings 1967
Frank Lampard 2000
Alan Shearer 1992

Be interested Cleggy if you have any suggestions for a pacy supreme defender LB in the DOL era 1997 to 2002.

Although Ian Harte was supreme on free kicks.against good teams he was a weak defensive link imo

Ashley Cole comes to mind but he was firmly a Gooner in that period.

22 Sep 2026 12:58:38
Glenn Hoddle 1979.

When our creative talisman Tony Currie very regettably left.I would have loved Leeds to have signed Glenn Hoddle from Spuds.

Leeds unwisely failed to sign a creative midfielder in any of the next 3 seasons and it played a huge part in their eventual relegation in 82.

22 Sep 2026 20:39:25
Ooof a full XL or as close as I can get (I'm 32 for the era context) .

GK - Dominik Livakovic. He's come up a few times over the years before we finally signed Trafford. Was always very cheap in the rumours weirdly for a class keeper.

LB - Josko Gvardiol. We were linked with him the summer before he moved to City. Not sure how close we were genuinely for him or was it one of Victor's long shots. Nevertheless it was reported.

CB - Joel Ward. Was a swiss army knife for Portsmouth right around the time we came up from the Championship and signed for Palace. They went up that same season. We got Jason Pearce instead. Safe to say who won that pick of Pompey defenders. They paid 400k for him and got a decade. Sure he came up as linked with us once or twice.

CB - Help!

RB - Resigning Denis Irwin - apparently we tried to, Ferguson turned the same phone call into asking the price for Cantona. if that had turned into Irwin for Cantona would have been more palatable than what actually transpired. Cheating slightly as before I was born but i've read enough about this story.

Midfield. Lampard and Rodrigo De Paul. Honourable mention for CAM for Charles De Ketelaere.

Wing - Cody Gakpo, Again it was the year before Liverpool signed him I think and he was rumoured to be the marquee signing of the window.

Wing - Kharavetskhalia when he was at Rubin Kazan as we were looking to replace Raphinha.

Forwards - Jonas Wind from the most recent window. He was a free agent target man who moved from Wolfsburg to Braga. Don't know if we were ever strictly linked but I'll maintain we should have done that one.

Erling Haaland - toured the club so I guess we had a shot when he was still at Molde in 2018.

11 I wish we hadn't signed. Imposed rule - its a combo of in some cases because they were terrible full stop or terrible for the money spent, context to the season.

Paul Rachubka - His mistakes vs Blackpool saw Alex Cairns get a debut.

Lb - Federico Bessone

CB - yeah Roque Junior gets the nod here.

CB - Max Wober.

RB - ermm.

LM - Cameron Stewart

CDM - Michael Brown - useless If you want a CAM instead, Adryan.

CM - Seth Johnson - if we dont sign him its because we signed Lampard.

RM - Jimmy Kebe (gosh that was a good window)

RS - Noel Hunt - Just didn't deliver and was a marquee free agent who took a hefty wage for nothing.

LS - Billy Paynter - see above. Between him and Bessone if just one of them had panned out we'd have made the play-offs first year back instead of 7th.

Honourable mentions for: Steve Morison in exchange for Becchio, Weston McKennie, Luke Varney, Robbie Fowler, Lonergan (second spell - first was decent) , Higgs, Casilla, Buononotte.

22 Sep 2026 02:13:02
Going back to Cleggy's question on players one wished Leeds United had signed.

In 2001 DOL and Leeds United were heavily linked to signing Frank Lampard.we missed out on some player there.

18 Sep 2026 20:17:19
Got a feeling we won't see Bahoya in a Leeds shirt this weekend or any weekend for that matter: He's probably heading back to Germany in January.
Like I say it's just a feeling I got.

18 Sep 2026 22:54:46
They said a couple of days ago that they will "not rush into a decision as to whether they trigger their option to buy him", which sounds to me like code for "we're not sure whether we like him or not." I was disappointed he didn't come on late in the Newcastle game, as it would've been a low risk strategy when we were 4:0 up, but then I'm not the one paid to make those decisons.

We're out of the League cup, and the FA cup 3rd round isn't til Jan 9th so we may have a long wait to see him.

19 Sep 2026 08:22:54
Aren't there two obligations connected to the loan? The option becomes an obligation if we stay in the Premier League and Bshoya makes 10 appearances?
If Corkey is right then this is another bench warming Buananotte situation and doesn't do much for the credibility of those who are making key transfer decisions.


Hopefully Farke is giving the player time to settle in before he gives him a run out.

19 Sep 2026 09:48:48
Bang on dun. Bit like keep fans happy we bought an attacker.

19 Sep 2026 12:44:42
Farke has already stated separately that he's not gonna chuck the lad straight in, due to the ever growing number of wolves who tear players to pieces if they don't perform from the word "go".

I recall Gio getting completely panned when he first joined.
If its one where it doesn't work out tho, which is always possible in loans with an option, then so be it.

19 Sep 2026 14:17:18
Surely a cameo against Newcastle when we went up by four? If he ain't getting on in that game.

19 Sep 2026 14:37:12
Maybe Corkster, and I did wanna see him too, but do understand why DJ got the nod first.

19 Sep 2026 19:05:20
But by bringing him on are you saying to Dan James that he is no longer the preferred back up option. Dan James knows the way the manager wants him to play. Yes we were 4-0 up but it's still the premier league and bringing players on that will need to be carried by the team isn't going to do anyone any favours.

19 Sep 2026 19:34:26
I read that farke leveraged connections to bring him in and he's on the bench regularly unlike Buononotte who got dropped a lot even from the bench.

I dont think Farke would leverage connections like that unless he was on board. I also believe the signings from Bundesliga probably have more input from Farke than others.

This could all change if we dont see him before christmas.

19 Sep 2026 23:56:48
Need to be carried by the team? If that's the case and he's that pony send him back now. Ridiculous statement LAD.
James is back up right wing back. The new winger is Okafor back up on the left.

20 Sep 2026 11:21:45
What Corkey said.

20 Sep 2026 12:50:53
Who is Wilson and aaronson cover for then. Can't keep everyone happy. He clearly preferred Wilson on this occasion and I think Farke is probably a little better placed to make on a decision on what he thinks is right at the right time. Yes he does get it wrong sometimes but don't think anyone has seen anything to suggest otherwise at the moment regarding Bahoya and I'm sure the club will bring him in when he's ready otherwise we will have people on here going nuts if it turns into a JKA situation and we are obliged to buy someone who is "pony”.

Maybe get him up to speed, make sure he's the right fit for the team and squad and then let him play. At that point we can make a genuine assessment on whether he's worth playing him enough to make the loan signing permanent. Don't want to waste 5 games brining him on for 10 mins here's and not knowing if he's ready.

20 Sep 2026 13:09:48
JMB in past 2 seasons has played 51 times for Frankfurt in Bundesliga one of the strongest leagues in Europe.

I doubt he will be happy not playing.

20 Sep 2026 15:59:31
Aaaand that one's put to bed! Two and a half full EPL minutes!

20 Sep 2026 16:01:01
Got his boots dirty for a few minutes agin Palace - first steps.

20 Sep 2026 16:03:24
He'll probably be brought on today in injury time? Oh wait.

20 Sep 2026 16:41:21
I admit I wish I didn't post that so close to kick off 😂.

16 Sep 2026 14:39:30
Feels like a time to think about it. Do we think about extending
Calvert Lewin right now. He's coming up on his last 18 months.

If we were to what would an extension look like? Longer terms on his existing 100k a week or would we have to fork out even more?

It sounds cynical but enjoy him but strengthen our position with him if he's willing to talk a 2 yr extension. If we're in a good place come Jan we can fend off the desperate teams (Spurs) or force them into even more than palace forked out for strand Larsen.

That's one scenario which i don't love. Unless Leeds have targets up front because Nmecha is out of contract soon too.

16 Sep 2026 15:36:48
He would probably warrant a wage increase tbh. Has kept fit and scoring as well as can be expected. He is also vital to the leadership group and was one of the reasons we switched to 5 at the back last season midway through the Citeh game so essentially instrumental in keeping us up.

Still better to give him an extension with wage increase than buy someone else financially.

16 Sep 2026 18:51:31
Oh i agree Alf, he definitely gets a new deal. My only concern is the fitness. He's approaching 30 and it feels like we are playing roulette with how fit he has been since he joined. Long may it continue though, the Leeds physio team are doing a pretty decent job.

15 Sep 2026 19:07:00
Eddie Howe anyone? I think he'd love the Leeds job.

15 Sep 2026 19:11:09
He would, but the job is not available at this point. Hopefully Farke can continue developing us into a force capable of challenging for honours, and stay for the foreseeable future.

15 Sep 2026 22:39:35
Irrelevant, firstly there is no vacancy, and secondly by the time there is, Eddie Howe will have found a new job. The first PL team to sack their manager will have him top of their wishlist to fill the post.

16 Sep 2026 00:19:59
Good point JR. Skybet have Eddie Howe's next managerial job to be with Man United ( at 5/2 favourite )

16 Sep 2026 01:18:27
I see he's 5/1 to be next England manager, which I fancied him for before Tuchel was appointed. If I were a betting man I might fancy a flutter on Bournemouth at 16/1 where he's managed before, or Villa at 12/1 where I think Emery is on borrowed time.

16 Sep 2026 06:39:42
I was jesting. At least I think I was?

16 Sep 2026 09:49:19
You might have to don your tin hat Corkey?

16 Sep 2026 15:37:50
Would definitely take him but on a year out at the moment. I personally would let Farke see out this year then bring Howe in next year.

16 Sep 2026 17:56:22
I think he's a lot lower down when there's a hypothetical vacancy for me.

I'd pursue Kieran Mckenna, Pochettino, and Glasner before him.

Poch making noises suggesting he doesn't want another full US cycle, and Glasner is quality but no one lasts long under that owner.

16 Sep 2026 20:37:38
With respect Alf, it beats me how you can make a statement like that. You say you'd "let Farke see out this year then bring Howe in next year". So if we have an outstanding season and finish say 5th you'd still propose sacking him and bring in a new head coach, that'd be madness.

If at the end of the season (or maybe even before that) , we're not doing well, then replacing him might be something the board might consider, but don't waste time dreaming about Eddie Howe, cos he'll be settled in a new job long before that.

Let's see how things go, and decide then.

As for Mckenna, or Pochettino, or Glasner, or any other hypothetical candidate - same answer, wait and see!

17 Sep 2026 00:00:56
A bit surprised that only JR countered Alf's assertions to have Farke replaced end of seez.

15 Sep 2026 10:59:56
Crazy that Richarlison was left out of Spurs premier league list and then they didn't or couldn't sell him.

Clubs clamouring for forwards like Everton who tried to resign him. We could have use him on loan or for free. It's going real well for us right now but still feel we're one forward injury away from an issue.

15 Sep 2026 11:46:59
Good on his day, but not the right character for us I don't feel.

15 Sep 2026 22:42:46
Eventually Spuds will see the light and release him from his contract, then as soon as he becomes a free agent, clubs will be queueing up to sign him.

16 Sep 2026 07:37:34
Everton will be at the front of the queue!

16 Sep 2026 17:57:44
Agree, that he doesn't fit the lack of ego/teamwork dressing room.

He's a diva that needs to be loved, and would probably throw a strop if he isn't installed as no.1 forward within a month. DCL is our No.1 forward full stop.

15 Sep 2026 08:27:30
Some stat that when playing under the lights at ER.18 wins, four draws and no losses in the last 22 home games.

Also loved the most repeated phrase describing last nights win that we "bullied” them, a deliberate strategy from Farkey, recruitment team to get bigger stronger players that can turn games like last nights win.

15 Sep 2026 20:36:49
Don't agree Class with the bigger stronger statement.
To me anyway it's more about the intensity of our play than the size of our players. Tanaka, Amps, JJ and Bogle set the tone last night and Lewin was a beast. All of these lads under 6 feet.

15 Sep 2026 22:55:51
I just had to check that Corkey, and according to Transfermarkt, Bogle and Tanaka are under 6ft, Amps and JJ are dead on 6ft (neither over nor under) and DCL is 6ft 2 in. I agree with you tho that it''s not height that matters but physicality, and even small guys can have that.

14 Sep 2026 21:43:50
I can only imagine we don't want to tigger Bahoyas buy clause
We may as well send him back and get someone else in January on loan that Farke actually wants.

14 Sep 2026 21:48:54
Definitely looks that wayn.

14 Sep 2026 22:07:00
Bloody hell! We just smashed the geordies, and thats the first post we read! 🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏽.

14 Sep 2026 22:23:09
The win is great goes without saying.

15 Sep 2026 07:44:31
Last night did seem an ideal opportunity to give JMB a run out, but it's rough to carp after a team performance like that, so we have to trust the system and hope to see him soon.

15 Sep 2026 22:28:35
Obligation to buy as I understand so won't make any difference if we play him or not.

16 Sep 2026 18:18:09
Think it's an easily achieved triggered obligation. Ie as little as one or two appearances much like Ramazani at Burnley.

I don't know that there's dislike there. Farke normally gives everyone a chance even he clearly didn't fancy Buononotte and Schmidt they got limited chances. Admittedly they weren't on the hook for a triggering 20m +.

I also think with Bahoya coming from Germany, it could be a 'Farke' network signing as much as aligning with recruitment. Certainly I think recruitment team wouldn't have so much autonomy over the manager to agree an easily triggered obligation when the final fee would be so high. Unless there's some bad blood and they expect Farke out, which doesn't fit the vibe in the squad right now. I also read the Farke used personal connections to get the Bahoya deal over the line. He wouldn't do that if he didn't fancy the player. I just think because the lad isn't Prem experienced they're being a tad gentle in acclimating him.

The oft referred to poster boys Brighton and Brentford are famous for bedding in their players carefully, without too much early pressure. Learn the new country, learn the new system, learn the new teammates. If he doesn't go with the France U21s in the international break, use that as a pre-season lite, and revisit in eight weeks.

Early days but its not as if the other target we chased in Mudryk impressing at all.

11 Sep 2026 08:09:57
Robbie Evans interview on BBC Sport highlights. Club want Farkey to sign a long term deal and we are compliant with PSR regulations thanks to successful FA Cup run and selling just Pascal……

Evans said he was "thankful" the club only needed to sell one player in order to come into line with the regulations.

"I was pretty confident coming into the year we'd have to sell some guys in June.

Frankly it was the FA Cup run and the minimal work in January that kept it being just one player," he said.

"Pascal's appeal to other teams was clear before the year was over and then he was debating going or not and he was helpful in deciding pretty quickly so we could decide to sell him before 30 June."

11 Sep 2026 09:05:18
Wonder why he hasn't signed then? Not sure it's been offered tbh. Unless Farke wants out or more money. Bloke should be happy with having a job and living in Leeds. Who wouldn't. 😂

11 Sep 2026 11:13:00
Agreed, Aus. I don't think Paraag and Co have offered Farke a new contract yet either.

Feels like they are waiting, at the very least, a couple of months to see how this season unfurls.



I am not sure shipping six goals the other day will have done Farke's cause much good either.

So Farke imo needs a solid 3 months of results, then maybe a contract extension will appear in December.

11 Sep 2026 12:10:22
Article states it's not signed, Aus, because they're still negotiating, but no issues and they want to get it right for both parties. They've already been finalising the deal for three months, it states, but you know Leeds don't like to rush these things. 🤣

11 Sep 2026 12:20:38
'Finalising the deal for three months'. 🤣

11 Sep 2026 17:33:52
Meanwhile in the blue part of Manchester.

12 Sep 2026 20:39:35
Hopefully it isn't true. I would like a change of manager after this season.

13 Sep 2026 20:35:28
Turn it in, Alf.

14 Sep 2026 11:35:40
On this, I agree with Alf Cuppa..
Waccoe, Leeds spent the summer upgrading players.. Why not the manager?

14 Sep 2026 19:47:13
Somebody stop the LP spinning please. Baz wants a new manager. Because Farke has been so bad. Despite the utter ship show of our financial situation 2 fantastic years in the Champo. Then despite all the doom mongers calling for his head, relatively easy survival in the prem.

Now building on that and fingers crossed going 3rd in the table this evening. Farke out, Farke out. I agree he probably got a fair few things wrong last year, but he learned and he developed, much as our players have done over the last year too.

Have a growth mindset and accept that Farke can and is learning on the job and the longer we stick with him the better he will get. Could start again with some "name” manager but who? I love our cuddly German and I hope we stick with him for at least the next 2-3 seasons.

14 Sep 2026 19:59:07
Err Matt. soooo no mention for Alf, Aus and others wanting a new manager. just good old Baz lol 😆

And what's all this cuddly Farke stuff you on about Matty lad ?