After going three games unbeaten in pre-season, expectations are undoubtedly building at Leeds United ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Daniel Farke’s men have recruited well during recent months and have addressed some key areas to help push them further up England’s top-flight next season.
Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford have both arrived at Elland Road to bolster the defensive department, with the latter costing a club-record fee of £45m.
However, it’s the addition of one other player this summer which has undoubtedly generated the most excitement amongst the fanbase in Yorkshire.
How Harry Wilson has already showcased his talents at Leeds
Leeds’ other major summer arrival has seen Harry Wilson join the Whites from fellow Premier League side Fulham after rejecting a contract extension with the Cottagers.
The Welsh international, who registered 10 goals and seven assists last campaign, has been seen as an impressive coup for Farke’s side – highlighting the 49ers’ ambition to take the club up a level.
The 29-year-old has already featured three times for the Whites throughout pre-season, subsequently catching the eye of the supporters and showcasing what he will add to the senior ranks.
His best display undoubtedly came against former side Liverpool during the tour of the USA, with his stats from such a clash demonstrating what he will add to the attacking department in 2026/27.
|
Harry Wilson – stats against Liverpool |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
45 |
|
Touches |
30 |
|
Pass accuracy |
76% |
|
Passes into final third |
3 |
|
Crosses completed |
3 |
|
Chances created |
4 |
|
Ground duels won |
100% |
|
Fouls won |
2 |
Wilson featured for the second half of the 4-2 victory and subsequently managed to complete the most successful crosses of any player within Farke’s side.
As a result, he achieved a staggering tally of four chances created in his 45-minute showing – a figure also higher than any other player for the Whites that night.
Such numbers showcase his immediate quality within attacking areas, which could see the Whites frontline massively improve throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
How Leeds can seal a more exciting signing than Wilson
There’s little denying the Leeds supporters are massively excited about the signing of Wilson – who is seen as one of the signings of the summer across the Premier League.
His experience and proven quality in such a league could make him a superb addition and one which could offer the difference in the hierarchy’s hunt for success.
However, the board appear to be targeting added reinforcements in such an area before the end of the window, with Marseille star Igor Paixao once again emerging on their radar.
It’s been reported in France that Farke himself is an admirer of the player, after previously trying to sign him last summer.
The report also states that the French side want to keep hold of the Brazilian attacker this window, but such a situation could change as the transfer deadline draws closer.
With Leeds having already held initial talks with Marseille regarding a move, they have learned that it would be an expensive one to get over the line. It is claimed that the player has a £42m asking price above his head.
It’s unclear if the 49ers would be prepared to match such a fee, but it’s clear he’s a player who can have a huge impact upon any move to Elland Road.
His stats from last season showcase his attacking quality, which even saw him outperform new addition Wilson in countless key forward departments.
Paixao completed an impressive tally of 1.3 successful dribbles per 90 in Ligue 1 last term – with such a tally over two times higher than that of the Welsh international.
The aforementioned figure highlights his direct and relentless nature within attacking areas, which could see him add needed pace into Farke’s forward line.
The Brazilian also managed to achieve a better pass completion rate last campaign, whilst also laying on more chances for his teammates than Wilson.
Such numbers also highlight his ability to put the end product onto his mazy runs, which could see the Whites land yet another creative spark in the final third.
Paixao even took his impressive performances to the European stage, as he netted four goals in just eight appearances during last year’s edition of the Champions League.
Wilson has never even featured in a single game on the European stage, with the Marseille star’s experience in such an area a huge bonus for the Whites in their ambitions of a top eight finish.
£35m for the Brazilian would take the club’s spending to well over £100m this summer, but it could be a bargain should the 26-year-old replicate his success from last season.
He and Wilson could well form a deadly partnership at Elland Road next season – which could see Farke’s men once again cause a number of upsets in England’s top-flight.
