The 49ers have earned a reputation for keeping their transfer business quiet over recent seasons. But three names have emerged strongly this summer, not only on social media or the global footballing press but confirmed by local media. Those names are Harry Wilson, Shea Charles and Julian Brandt. Two experienced players out of contract this summer, and a young up and coming talent Leeds are looking to buy outright. Could they be the future of Leeds United's midfield?
First up Harry Wilson, with Sky Sports reporting Leeds have agreed a deal to sign him on a free transfer once his Fulham contract expires. It's a satisfying conclusion given how close we came in January, when Fulham pulled the plug minutes before the deadline on a deal sheet both clubs had already signed. But this summer is a different story, Leeds beating rival offers from Benfica, Aston Villa and Everton, with a three-year deal plus the option of a fourth, and wages that will reportedly put him on a similar level to Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The presence of Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon and Daniel James in the dressing room was a genuine factor in his decision, alongside the promise of a prominent role and staying in the Premier League.
One deal as good as done, another is at the haggling stages, with reports that Leeds have had a £20m bid rejected for Shea Charles, with Southampton holding out for more, though talks are continuing and a deal is still considered close. Southampton's valuation is said to be "significantly higher" than what we've offered so far, which tracks given Charles was central to a side that reached the play-off final before the "Spygate" expulsion turned their season upside down. We're understood to be ahead of any other interested club at this stage, and the Yorkshire Evening Post add that talks with Southampton continue after that opening offer was knocked back. Don't be surprised if the club gets this one done in the coming weeks.
Julian Brandt is the one that still feels like the longest shot of the three. The 30-year-old Germany international playmaker is out of contract at the end of June, but Leeds have competition to get this deal done with Roma and Atlético Madrid also interested. There's a wages issue too, with his demands described elsewhere as eye-watering for a free transfer. Brandt remains the one to watch rather than the one to bank on, but he has emerged as a primary target for Daniel Farke's side, with sources close to the club confirming that Leeds are pushing hard to land the departing Borussia Dortmund man ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
So where does that all mean for the squad? The Athletic's Beren Cross has reported that a natural number ten and a left-footed right winger were high on the summer shopping list. Wilson, left-footed and primarily a right-sided threat who cuts inside, fits the second of those profiles almost exactly. Whilst Brandt is a classic floating number ten, a playmaker in the mould that Leeds United have really been crying out for. Both players bring versatility, something prized by the Leeds United recruitment team. Shea Charles would also bring options, capable of covering right back but primarily a defensive midfielder.
It looks as though Leeds are bringing together all the pieces Daniel Farke needs, but do they fit into a puzzle with three at the back? Not really. Wilson is a winger, not a wing-back, and Brandt and Charles both add to the centre of the pitch rather than the back line, so all three point away from the back three rather than towards a wider version of it. We finished last season playing three at the back, a switch Farke made out of necessity when his job was under real pressure, and one that sparked the run that kept us up. But it was never pitched as his preferred way of playing, and the noises out of the camp this summer back that up. The three players linked so far are as strong a signal as you'll get that Farke is looking to move back to a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, rather than doubling down on the back three.
But the knock-on effect of these signings isn't just on the formation but also on the existing players. Brenden Aaronson filled the Number 10 role last season and for a time he was productive, creating chances and scoring goals. But towards the end of the season the old Aaronson returned, flattering to deceive. If Leeds do land Brandt what would that mean for Aaronson? Would the USA international be willing to drop to the bench and take a supporting role next season?
The future of Willy Gnonto and Daniel James is also uncertain. Both players were used sparingly last season, largely due to the shift in formation, but there did seem to be a reluctance from Farke to give them too many minutes. Leeds need depth and competition for places to mount a strong Premier League campaign, but would either player be willing to stay having been pushed further down the pecking order? In the case of Gnonto in particular, this summer might be the chance to cash in.
Charles may be more of a player for the future, but it's Ilia Gruev who looks most exposed rather than Ampadu, Stach or even Ao Tanaka. Gruev ended the season on crutches, his contract runs to 2027, and reporting around the Charles pursuit has been blunt about what it would mean for him. If Charles signs, Gruev is third choice in the pecking order behind Charles and Ampadu, and a likely candidate to leave. Tanaka's position is a touch less clear-cut in the most recent reporting, but he too would be competing with Charles for minutes rather than locked in above him. Charles is also formation-agnostic, he can play the holding role in either shape and has the versatility to cover at full-back, so his fit doesn't hinge on which system Farke ultimately settles on.
With Wilson's coming, Charles looking like it might be close and Brandt still very much there to be won or lost, it suggests Leeds are not just looking to strengthen for next season but are recruiting for Daniel Farke's preferred system. Farke talked at the end of last season about needing the board's ambition to match his own, insisting whatever comes next has to be agreed by everyone at the club and has to avoid the mistakes of 2021. So far, it looks like Farke and the recruitment team are aligned and are going all in on his preferred system.