Three players Leeds United should sign ahead of Premier League return

Leeds United are back in the Premier League and determined to reestablish themselves as top-flight regulars.

Daniel Farke's men banished their play-off final heartache of the previous campaign by sealing promotion with two matches to spare.

Speculation is already mounting as to what business Leeds may conduct in the summer and the club need to address several key areas in their squad.

Following his impressive loan spell, tying Manor Solomon down on a permanent basis will be high on Leeds' agenda, while uncertainty lingers concerning Junior Firpo's future as the left-back sees his contract expire at the end of June.

As Leeds assemble their recruitment plans, we've taken a look at three players they could sign ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Caoimhin Kelleher

Club: Liverpool
Position: Goalkeeper
Transfermarkt value: €22.00m

A new goalkeeper is the top priority for Leeds ahead of their top-flight return and they have a number of potential avenues to explore.

Aaron Ramsdale will have plentiful suitors following Southampton's relegation, but the potential availability of Caoimhin Kelleher is an opportunity Leeds must grasp.

The Irish international has proven to be a capable deputy in the absence of Alisson Becker at Liverpool. Playing every minute of the Reds' path to EFL Cup success in 2023/24, Kelleher has made 20 appearances in all competitions this term, including 10 in the Premier League.

But with Alisson set to prolong his Anfield stay and competition in the goalkeeping ranks intensifying following the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili, it appears increasingly likely Kelleher will depart to fulfil his wish of becoming a Premier League number one.

A proactive goalkeeper who is a fine shot-stopper and is excellent with the ball at his feet, Kelleher has the ability to establish himself as an Elland Road icon and the 26-year-old could be the difference between Leeds preserving their Premier League status or slipping out of the division.

Although Kelleher's current Liverpool contract expires in 2026, Leeds would still have to splash the cash to acquire the goalkeeper amid reports that the Premier League champions value him at £20m.

Josh Sargent

Club: Norwich City
Position: Striker
Transfermarkt value: €15.00m

Another key area for Leeds to address in the summer is the number nine position.

There are questions marks concerning Joel Piroe's suitability to the Premier League and the Whites must add greater firepower if they're to avoid the same fate of their previous top-flight season.

Josh Sargent may not be a name to cause hysteria amongst the Elland Road faithful and his previous Premier League stint left plenty to be desired, but the Norwich City frontman has showcased all of the attributes this season to suggest he can thrive as Leeds' frontman.

Chalking up 20 goal contributions this term despite missing two months with a groin issue, the USMNT forward has been in red-hot form since the end of January, netting 11 goals in 17 appearances despite Norwich's decline.

It's not just his ability to find the net that appeals, either.

Sargent has been a vital cog in the Canaries' build-up play and his athleticism stretches defences while bringing his team-mates into play.

From a technical perspective, he's looked a cut above in the Championship and, in a similar fashion to Liam Delap, Sargent will work his socks off to fashion chances from nothing.

Adrien Truffert

Club: Rennes
Position: Ligue 1
Transfermarkt value: €15.00m

Whether Firpo departs Yorkshire or not, left-back remains a position which Leeds would ideally like to futureproof.

At 23 years of age and potentially on the market at a reduced fee with his contract set to expire next summer, Adrien Truffert would represent shrewd business as the Whites look to bolster their defensive ranks.

The Liege-born France international, who featured in Les Bleus' 2024 Olympics team, prides himself on his defensive qualities but is a key attacking outlet for Rennes on the flank, with Truffert ranking highly across Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes received, shots on target and tackles completed in the final third.

He has experience in abundance after clocking just shy of 150 appearances in Ligue 1 and two campaigns in the UEFA Europa League.

Truffert is also a proficient set-piece taker and his precise delivery could add another dimension to Leeds' attack.