Why Leeds could spring a surprise to sign a Calvert-Lewin replacement

There’s no disputing Leeds United’s transfer business this summer has been exemplary, with the 49ers undoubtedly listening to Daniel Farke’s cry for added reinforcements.

Over £85m has been spent on new additions to date, and the additions have already made an immediate impact to the Whites’ senior squad in the Premier League.

Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford all started the opening day victory over Nottingham Forest, with the defensive reinforcements helping keep a clean sheet.

However, with just a week left to go in the summer window, it wouldn’t be a surprise to land added depth and quality in one other area of the pitch for the 2026/27 campaign and beyond.

Why Calvert-Lewin isn’t the man to take Leeds to the next level

In an attempt to beat the drop last term, Leeds completed the free signing of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the former Everton man offering needed top-division know-how.

The 29-year-old netted 14 goals within his 35 appearances throughout 2025/26 and undoubtedly played a vital part in Farke’s men staying in the Premier League.

However, his xG suggests that he underperformed in England’s top-flight last time around, subsequently scoring three goals fewer than he should have based on the chances created.

Calvert-Lewin also missed the second-most big chances of any player in the division, further showcasing how wasteful he was despite his impressive goalscoring tally.

His showing on the opening day against Forest was further evidence of his struggles, as he failed to register a single shot on target, whilst also losing 100% of his ground duels.

One of the Englishman’s biggest assets is his tremendous aerial ability, but even that was neutralised at the City Ground – as he won just 44% of his battles in the air.

There’s no denying he’s a player who has a role to play under Farke this term, but if the club are to rise further up the table, added reinforcements may be needed in forward areas.

How Leeds could replace Calvert-Lewin in the transfer market

Throughout the current window, Leeds have been linked with a move for a whole host of attacking options to try and improve the options currently at Farke’s disposal.

No deal has been agreed with any of the club’s targets, but Stuttgart man Ermedin Demirovic is one name that continues to be linked with a move to Elland Road.

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

However, he’s not the only option from the Bundesliga that’s appeared on their radar, with RB Leipzig youngster Conrad Harder another who has been touted with a move to join the Whites.

Reports from his homeland in Denmark, via Buli News, have claimed that Leeds have now opened talks to sign the forward, who could be available on a loan or permanent basis before the window closes having only signed for Leipzig for £22m a year ago.

However, competition for his signature appears to be fierce, as Lazio are also interested – with the latter already making an offer for the 21-year-old.

No fee has been mentioned to land the attacker this summer, but a move away from the German side may be needed to kickstart his once promising professional career.

His tally of just three goals in the Bundesliga last season may be a concern to the Leeds faithful, but such numbers certainly don’t tell the full story of his quality in forward areas.

Harder actually managed to achieve such a tally despite starting just eight league games, not to mention also laying on three assists for his teammates in that period.

His underlying stats also make for excellent reading, as the 21-year-old managed to achieve a better shot-on-target accuracy rate than current Leeds man, Calvert-Lewin.

The Dane also missed fewer big chances in front of goal, which could see Farke’s men secure the signature of a more clinical and promising talent this summer.

He’s undoubtedly a more well-rounded option than the Englishman within forward areas, as seen by his impressive tally of 1.4 chances created per 90 – which ranked him above 75% of strikers in Europe.

He has also previously delivered the goods in front of goal on a larger scale, as Harder netted 11 goals for Sporting CP back in 2024/25 at the tender age of just 19.

Such form saw huge excitement generated around the young attacking star, with talent scout Jacek Kulig all aboard the hype train and labelling him as “simply phenomenal.”

Undoubtedly, he’s not hit the heights many expected him to, but at just 21 years of age, the attacker has bags of time to get his career back on the right track – potentially doing so at Elland Road.

Such a move could be a bargain for Farke’s men should he reach the next level in his development, not to mention securing the services of a long-term striker to replace Calvert-Lewin.