Report: Leeds’ Chances of Signing New Player Before Saturday Amid ‘Ongoing’ Talks for Key Target

Despite the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Archie Gray since the Championship play-off final defeat to Southampton in May, there is a sense of optimism at Elland Road as the new season approaches.

Leeds United had a successful pre-season, winning all four friendly matches. Their most impressive victory came last weekend with a 2-1 win against La Liga side Valencia.

The new signings, Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, and Jayden Bogle, have integrated well into the squad, and the returns of Brenden Aaronson and Max Wober have further bolstered the team’s quality.

However, Leeds still have work to do in the transfer market. Manager Daniel Farke is keen to strengthen three key positions: full-back, central midfield, and winger.

Leeds’ failure to gain promotion in the 2023/24 season can largely be attributed to their sluggish start, winning just two of their first seven matches.

The only new signing in the starting lineup against Cardiff City was Ethan Ampadu, with most of Leeds’ transfer activity happening in the last two weeks of the window.

Farke also had to manage the transfer sagas of Luis Sinisterra and Gnonto, so the squad is now in a more settled state.

However, new signings are still needed, though it seems unlikely they will arrive before Saturday’s match against Portsmouth.

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are not expecting any significant transfers in the next 72 hours, although negotiations with Norwich City for Jonathan Rowe are ongoing.

Rowe has been identified as the primary target to replace Crysencio Summerville, but securing his transfer will require further effort.

Even without new signings, Leeds can field a strong starting lineup against Portsmouth.

A back five consisting of Illan Meslier, Jayden Bogle, Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Junior Firpo is arguably one of the best defensive units in the division.

Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev are likely to start the season as Leeds’ first-choice midfield pairing, although this could change if a new attacking midfielder is acquired.

As discussions over Rowe continue, Farke is expected to stick with the same front four that played against Valencia: Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Dan James, and Mateo Joseph.