Leeds United have a huge task on their hands over the summer as they look to try and beat the drop in the Premier League throughout the 2025/26 campaign.
The Whites managed to secure the Championship title after posting a staggering 100 points total, winning the league on goal difference after Manor Solomon’s strike against Plymouth Argyle secured a final day win.
However, despite Daniel Farke securing promotion from England’s second tier for the third time, he faces the prospect of keeping the Yorkshire outfit in the top-flight next season – something which he’s failed to do in his two previous attempts.
The board have backed him in recent weeks, handing him the chance to spend around £100m on new additions to bridge the gap and build a competitive squad.
With the window opening last Sunday, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the players he craves, with numerous players emerging as key targets this summer.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer
Leeds will need additions in all areas of the pitch to hand themselves the best chance of survival next season, but it’s crucial they sign quality over quantity in their quest.
Gustavo Hamer, Sam Johnstone and Sean Longstaff have all been touted with a summer switch to Elland Road, but as of yet no deals have yet been completed in Yorkshire.
However, it appears as though another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Ipswich Town centre-back Dara O’Shea on their radar, according to The Irish Sun.
Their report claims that the Whites are weighing up a move for the Ireland international, who won the Tractor Boys’ Player of the Season award despite suffering relegation.
It also states that Wolves and Burnley are interested in a move for the 26-year-old, who cost a fee in the region of £15m less than 12 months ago – with the defender wanting to stay in England’s top flight next season.
Why Leeds’ £15m target could be the next Bogle
Jayden Bogle has thrived beyond the imagination of all supporters at Leeds this season, playing a crucial role at both ends of the pitch during the club’s title-winning campaign.
The 24-year-old joined the Whites in a £5m deal from Sheffield United, looking to fill the void at right-back after academy star Archie Gray departed for Tottenham Hotspur.
However, the defender made a huge impact at the back, helping the side concede just 30 times in their 46 league outings, with Burnley the only side to concede fewer.
He also impressed in attacking areas, registering 10 combined goals and assists, which included six goals – with his most notable effort coming in the 2-0 win away at Coventry City.
The fee paid for his signature now appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with the club having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with O’Shea this summer.
The Irishman would be the next player to join the Whites from a side relegated from the Premier League, looking to cement their place in the backline – just as Bogle has in recent months.
O’Shea, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former boss Slaven Bilic, has also managed to have an impact in forward areas, registering two assists for Kieran McKenna’s side, but ultimately not enough to keep them in the division.
Games played
35
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
80%
Dribble success
50%
Tackles won
63%
Aerials won
3.8
Interceptions made
1.1
Duels won
5.8
His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 80% of the passes he attempted, while registering a 50% dribble success rate – having the tools to play out from the back should Farke need him to.
The defender has also won 63% of the tackles he entered this season, whilst winning 3.8 aerials per 90, handing the side the added defensive quality they need to survive the drop in the Premier League.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Irishman will set them back this summer, he has the tools to bolster Farke’s ranks and play a key role should he move to Elland Road.
Given the interest from other sides in the division, they will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently improving a rival in their hunt for survival.
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