Why £25m striker could be the perfect Leeds upgrade

Leeds United have a huge opportunity ahead of them in 2026/27, as Daniel Farke looks to take the Whites to the next level and mount a push for a European spot.

Hull City and Coventry City are both returning to the Premier League for the first time in at least the last decade, whilst Ipswich Town are under new management after securing promotion.

There’s no denying the aforementioned sides will have to spend some serious cash to bridge the gap, which could see Farke’s men pull further clear of the relegation zone next term.

However, if his side are to seriously push for a place in the top-half of the division, the 49ers may need to replace one player before the end of the window.

Why Leeds need to upgrade on Calvert-Lewin this summer

Leeds’ shrewd recruitment last summer saw them clinch the signing of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer after his release from fellow Premier League side, Everton.

Many had concerns over his fitness levels, but he proved the doubters wrong at Elland Road – netting 14 top-flight goals and ending the year as the club’s top scorer.

However, despite his impressive goal tally, the hierarchy should be targeting added reinforcements to help make the club a force to be reckoned with in 2026/27.

The Englishman achieved an xG of 16.67, but his tally of 14 showcases that he was wasteful within forward areas and missed key opportunities in front of goal.

His tally of 20 big chances missed last term, the second most of any player in the division, further highlights his inconsistent form and lack of quality within forward areas.

Away from his goalscoring ability, Calvert-Lewin also struggled with his hold-up play, subsequently completing just 58% of his passes – ranking him in the bottom 6% of strikers in the division.

The 29-year-old also only completed 26% of his attempted dribbles – placing him below 82% of his forwards and showcasing his one-dimensional nature within forward areas.

How Leeds can replace Calvert-Lewin this summer

Despite spending £34m on the signing of Tarik Muharemovic and edging ever closer to securing a deal for James Trafford – Leeds appear to still be willing to splash the cash this summer.

Shea Charles continues to be linked with a big-money move to Elland Road, whilst an offer has recently been made for the signature of attacking midfielder Julian Brandt.

Both players would no doubt improve Farke’s squad in key areas, but a new attacker could be on the way, as the hierarchy appear to be targeting a move for Ermedin Demirović.

It’s been reported by Sky Sports Germany that the Whites remain keen on a deal for the Bosnian international this summer, but face competition from Juventus and Fenerbahçe.

They also claim that the player would be open to a subsequent move this window, with other sources claiming Stuttgart are said to be demanding at least £25m to offload the 28-year-old.

Whilst he may be an unknown quantity to many Leeds supporters, he’s caught the eye in recent years for his tremendous goalscoring ability – finding the net 32 times across the last two years.

However, it’s his underlying stats from last season which highlight his all-round quality, with his figures showcasing why he’d be a class above Calvert-Lewin for Farke’s side.

Despite netting fewer goals than the Englishman last term, Demirovic did achieve a better minutes-per-goal record, having featured for 1300 minutes less in 2025/26.

The Bosnian international also missed half the number of big chances Calvert-Lewin and subsequently achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate.

Such numbers highlight his clinical edge over the current Leeds star, which could make him the perfect player to replace the 29-year-old ahead of next term.

Away from his goalscoring ability, Demirovic also managed to better Calvert-Lewin for his pass completion rate – subsequently completing 20% more of his efforts last season.

He also completed twice as many successful dribbles last campaign – highlighting his impressive all-round nature and backing up one analyst comment that he’s “outstanding.”

Replacing the Englishman this summer may seem like a brutal call, but ultimately, it’s one that needs to be made if the club are to rise up the Premier League next term.

£25m for a player of the Bosnian’s quality would be an excellent piece of business and one which could hand Farke the added quality he craves within his senior ranks this summer.