This summer will be pivotal for Leeds United in their ambitions of maintaining their Premier League status, building on the excellent work conducted this campaign.
Daniel Farke’s side claimed the Championship title in 2024/25, registering a staggering 100 points and finishing above rivals Burnley on goal difference, with both teams returning to the top-flight.
However, the last six teams to achieve such a feat have all suffered immediate returns to the second-tier, with the Whites hoping to buck that trend next season.
If they are to succeed in their quest, additions will be key, needing to hand Farke the tools to strengthen his squad and have the best possible chance of surviving the drop.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already started behind the scenes to identify numerous talents who could improve the squad at Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
All areas of the pitch are set for investment at Leeds this summer, with depth and quality needed if the club are to establish themselves in the top-flight next year.
Lennon Miller, Kasper Dolberg and James McAtee have all been touted with a switch to Yorkshire, but as of yet, no deal has yet been agreed, but that could all change during the off-season.
However, a new name has been mentioned over the last couple of days, with Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes on their radar, according to Alan Nixon.
His report claims that the Whites are considering a move for the 20-year-old talent, who’s valued at £30m after the Saints were relegated back to the Championship.
He also states that the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker who could provide added quality to the side, but could face competition from Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.
Why Fernandes would be a better signing than Doucoure
Over the last few days, Leeds have also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure, after he confirmed he would be leaving at the end of his contract.
The Malian, who’s spent the last five seasons at Goodison Park, may stay in the Premier League with the Whites, offering an experienced option in what’s likely to be a relegation battle.
At 32, the midfielder has registered just shy of 300 appearances in England’s top-flight, registering 36 goals along the way, having the tools to add to the attacking department.
However, if Farke is targeting options for the number 10 position at Elland Road, there’s no denying that Fernandes would be a better and younger option for the club.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the current league campaign, the Portuguese youngster has massively bettered Doucoure in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be in Yorkshire.
Fernandes, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, may have notched the same number of goals and assists, but has produced a higher shot-on-target rate – handing an added goal threat to the Whites as a result.
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third, subsequently handing Farke an added dimension of creativity.
Games played
36
32
Goals & assists
5
5
Shot-on-target accuracy
33%
29%
Progressive passes
4.5
2.9
Progressive carries
2.5
1.4
Passes into the final third
3.1
1.5
Take-ons completed
1.6
0.8
Carries into the final third
2.3
0.9
The Saints star has also completed more take-ons and made more carries into the penalty area, enabling other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
£30m may be a huge sum for a player who’s been relegated from the Premier League, but he’s shown that he has the skill set to thrive if given another opportunity in the top flight.
His tender age allows for a huge room for improvement in the years ahead, potentially becoming a vital cog in any future success at Elland Road should he make the big-money switch this summer.
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