Leeds could see £40m bid accepted to sign Premier League star

Ahead of tonight’s clash with Burnley at Elland Road, Leeds United are within touching distance of securing their Premier League status for another season.

The 2025/26 campaign truly has been one to remember for Daniel Farke’s side, with the Whites one of pre-season relegation favourites after promotion.

However, the German had led the club to six points clear of the drop zone with just four games to play – not to mention leading them to an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley too.

Should Farke’s men secure yet another victory tonight, the hierarchy will no doubt start turning their attention to identifying players to strengthen the squad in 2026/27.

Numerous players have already been touted with summer moves to Yorkshire, but it remains to be seen how much the manager will be handed to land his current targets.

Leeds could have £40m bid accepted for summer target

Over the last couple of days, Feyenoord talisman Ayase Ueda has become one of a group of players who are said to be admired by the staff behind the scenes.

It’s been reported that, Leeds have already sent scouts to watch the Japanese international, who’s netted 26 goals across all competitions so far this campaign.

However, they will likely face competition from the likes of Everton and Tottenham Hotspur, who are also keen on a move for the 27-year-old upon the opening of the window in June.

Ueda isn’t the only target in the hierarchy’s sights at present, with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ladislav Krejci another talent who’s said to be massively liked by the Whites.

According to Football Insider, Farke’s men are extremely keen on landing the centre-back this summer, after Rob Edwards’ side suffered relegation to the Championship.

The report states that the West Midlands outfit have a £26m obligation to buy the 27-year-old this summer, but the Whites are willing to match such a price tag during the off-season.

However, it’s been reported that he will have a £40m release clause upon any move to Molineux, but it’s unclear if Leeds would be prepared to meet such a figure.

Why Krejci could be a Calvert-Lewin repeat for Leeds

After promotion to the Premier League last season, Leeds’ recruitment had to be spot on to avoid an immediate return to the Championship – resulting in many shrewd additions by the board.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a proven English top-flight talent, but his dreadful injury list saw the Englishman be released by Everton at the end of his contract in 2025.

However, such a move has been a masterstroke by the Whites, as seen by his tally of 11 goals this term – the highest of any player currently on the books at Elland Road.

His injury fears have now been forgotten by the supporters, as the 29-year-old has missed just three league games and made himself a fan-favourite in the process.

Such an addition has certainly kept the Whites in the division, with the hierarchy needing to emulate the transfer with a big-money deal for Krejci when the window opens.

Whilst he would cost a potential record fee this summer, the move would allow the defender to prove doubters wrong and showcase he’s capable of starring in England’s top-flight.

He may be on the books of a club who look set to finish last in the Premier League, but his underlying stats from the ongoing season demonstrate the quality he does possess.

Despite his defence role in the West Midlands, the Czech Republic international has registered three combined goals and assists – including one against the Whites.

He’s also completed 67% of the dribbles he’s made coming out of the backline, which could make him the perfect option to slot into Farke’s new back-three system.

However, without the ball is where Krejci has been most impressive, with the 27-year-old making 1.3 interceptions per 90 – a figure higher than 75% of defenders in the division.

Other tallies, such as 56% aerial duels won and 7.4 defensive contributions per 90, only reaffirming his phenomenal ability without the ball throughout his debut year in England.

£40m would be a mammoth investment from Leeds and Farke this summer, but it’s a deal that could further improve the club’s impressive and resolute defensive department.

His stats are more than deserving of a second opportunity to shine in the Premier League, but will the hierarchy be put off by his relegation to the second tier?

They desperately need to avoid ruling a deal out for Krejci’s signature, but they may need to negotiate with Edwards’ side to get the best out of any possible deal.