Leeds in talks to seal their best signing since Raphinha

After fending off relegation in the Premier League upon their top-flight return, Leeds United now need to place their focus on landing quality over quantity this summer.

It already appears as though the Whites are on the verge of completing their first addition of the window, after agreeing a deal with winger Harry Wilson after his departure.

Daniel Farke’s men appear to have beaten the likes of Aston Villa and Everton for the Welshman’s signature – subsequently landing a top-level attacking star as a result.

The 29-year-old managed to net 10 league goals for the Cottagers last term, whilst also laying on seven assists for his teammates – with no player in the Leeds squad registering more contributions.

Wilson’s signing is exactly what Farke will have craved after securing survival, but it’s crucial the 49ers don’t rest on their laurels and continue to push for added reinforcements this window.

Leeds ramping up move to sign European star

Despite agreeing a deal for Wilson in recent days, the majority of Leeds’ focus this summer has been on securing the signature of Southampton midfielder Shea Charles.

Farke’s side have already had their first offer of £20m rejected for the 22-year-old talent, who featured 31 times in England’s second tier last campaign.

However, it’s now being reported that the Whites are expected to return to the table and ramp up their efforts on securing the youngster’s signature amid interest from Everton.

The Northern Irishman isn’t the only player the hierarchy are pushing for this summer, with Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Julian Brandt another player firmly on their shortlist.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Leeds are ramping up their efforts to land the German talent who is set to become a free agent at the end of the month.

The report also states that the Whites face huge competition for the 30-year-old’s signature, but are trying to get ahead of the competition and secure his services.

Talks are continuing between the Farke’s men and the player’s team, with reports stating the experienced forward is now the club’s primary transfer target.

Why Brandt would be Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha

Signing top-level talents from other leading European leagues hasn’t been alien to Leeds in recent seasons, as seen with the £17m deal to land Raphinha from Stade Rennais in 2020.

Although there was excitement around the Brazilian’s addition at Elland Road, the supporters didn’t fully realise the talent they had secured until he stepped out on the pitch in Yorkshire.

The forward ended up making 67 appearances across all competitions for the Whites, subsequently finding the back of the net on 17 occasions, whilst laying on 12 assists for his teammates.

His subsequent form would lead to a mind-boggling £55m deal to join Barcelona in the summer of 2022 – with such a fee the highest ever received during the club’s 106-year history.

As a result, Raphinha will forever be a player etched in the club’s history, but Farke and the recruitment will no doubt want Brandt to create new ground upon any move to Elland Road this window.

Although the German is available on a free transfer, Leeds would be getting a world-class talent and one who has constantly starred at the top of the European game.

The 30-year-old has featured in the Champions League 61 times since the summer of 2019, even helping Dortmund reach the final back in the 2023/24 campaign.

He’s racked up 19 goal contributions during such a period, often being the Bundesliga side’s key talisman for goals and assists in such a competition – with his quality being labelled “effortless” by talent scout Antonio Mango.

Even in Germany’s top-division, Brandt has massively caught the eye, as he’s finished each of the last five seasons with at least 10 combined goal contributions.

During his final year at Signal Iduna Park, the experienced star notched an impressive 11 goals across all competitions – with only Dominic Calvert-Lewin netting more for Leeds.

The interest in Brandt’s signature highlights the ambition of the 49ers to take Farke’s side to the next level in 2026/27 and pull clear of any relegation threat.

Players of the German’s calibre very rarely become available, especially on a free transfer, which only increases the need for the hierarchy to agree terms with the attacking midfielder.

Should he get anywhere near the levels of Raphinha in Yorkshire, the 30-year-old would be one of the club’s best-ever additions and one who can help the Whites mount a push for a European spot.