After a superb season that has seen Leeds United win 28 matches to date, they will finally be returning to the Premier League in 2025/26 after a two-year absence.
The Whites have been unbelievable under the guidance of Daniel Farke over the last two years, claiming automatic promotion from the Championship after missing out just 12 months ago.
However, when looking at the bigger picture, promotion is just the start for the German, with his biggest test now keeping the club in the top-flight and avoiding an immediate return to the second tier.
It’s something the 48-year-old has been unable to do in his two previous attempts with Norwich City, with the supporters hoping that he can make it third time lucky with the Yorkshire outfit.
If he is to achieve such a feat come the end of the 2025/26 campaign, it’s vital that the hierarchy back the manager in the transfer market to make the changes he desires to his first-team squad.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer
With the window still a couple of weeks away from opening, Leeds have wasted no time in identifying potential signings, already going after goalkeeper Finn Danhem from German outfit FC Augsburg.
The 27-year-old has appeared on the club’s radar after keeping nine clean sheets in his 16 Bundesliga appearances this campaign – whilst achieving a staggering save percentage of 85%.
However, he’s not the only player to be touted with a switch to Elland Road this summer, with Wolves’ Sam Johnstone also on their radar, according to Football Insider.
Their report claims that the 32-year-old is wanted by the club and would like to make the switch to Yorkshire after making just seven league appearances after joining the West Midlands side last summer.
No fee has been mentioned, but they do confirm that a move could allow the shot-stopper to become a key player in the side and bolster his chances of returning to the England setup.
Why Leeds’ latest target would be an upgrade on Illan Meslier
It’s safe to say current goalkeeper Illan Meslier has endured a couple of months to forget at Leeds, losing his number one spot to Karl Darlow after a string of errors.
The Frenchman has been the club’s number one since the 2020/21 campaign, with Farke taking action into his own hands to secure promotion for the club in recent weeks.
He’s been on the bench for each of the Whites’ last six matches, with the side only conceding two goals during such a time period, highlighting that the manager did make the correct call.
There have been countless occasions where Meslier has cost the club points in key moments of the campaign, with the title potentially being wrapped up way before the final day if it wasn’t for his blunders.
However, his latest spell on the sidelines is evidence that a new goalkeeper is desperately needed this summer, which could make Johnstone the perfect upgrade between the sticks for Farke.
When comparing their respective stats this season, the Englishman has massively outperformed the 25-year-old in various key areas, showcasing why he would be the right option for the German.
Johnstone, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Gary Lineker, has achieved a higher tally of saves per 90, whilst also registering fewer errors leading to goals – giving the side a more reliable presence between the sticks.
Games played
7
39
Shots-on-target faced
5.6
2.2
Saves made
3.3
1.6
Passes completed per 90
40
34
Crosses stopped
1.2
0.8
Defensive actions outside box
1.6
0.9
Errors leading to goals
0
3
He’s also completed more passes per 90, enabling the side to play out from the back should they want to, but also having the option to go long if under pressure.
Pressure is something that is to be expected in the top-flight, but Johnstone’s tally of 1.2 crosses stopped and 1.6 defensive actions outside the 18-yard box could help see the side out in key moments.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Wolves ‘keeper would set the club back this summer, it’s evident from the stats produced that he would be a better option than Meslier for Farke.
The Premier League is an unforgiving division, punishing any side that isn’t up to the level required, further adding to the reasons as to why a deal for the former Man Utd youngster needs to be completed ahead of 2025/26.
Farke could sign Piroe upgrade in Leeds swoop for "electric" £40m "monster"
Leeds could immediately land an upgrade on Joel Piroe by swooping for this £40m star.
ByDan EmeryApr 29, 2025