“Leeds United poised to Break Club Transfer Record to Sign France’s most Highly-Rated star this summer as the 49ers are prepared to allocate £100 million towards the transfers, aiming to secure Leeds’ long-term Premier League status.
Leeds United are poised to spend big this summer, with the club potentially breaking the bank on one or two key signings, including a highly-rated player from France.
Under manager Daniel Farke, Leeds are expected to look across Europe for new talent, aiming to replicate successful deals from last season, such as the signing of Ao Tanaka.
Tanaka was brought in for just £3.4 million but is now valued at around £20 million, a figure that could easily rise if he impresses in the Premier League next season.
This summer, Farke is set to make larger investments. The 49ers are prepared to allocate £100 million towards transfers, aiming to secure Leeds’ long-term Premier League status. However, some of the players they are targeting come with hefty price tags.
One of the top names linked to the club is goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, whose potential transfer could cost up to £40 million, breaking Leeds’ current transfer record.
The most expensive signing in the club’s history remains Georginio Rutter, who was bought for £35.5 million in 2023.
Another notable target is Marseille’s Leonardo Balerdi, who could cost Leeds around £38 million. The 26-year-old Argentine centre-back, who is also being pursued by Roma, is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in Ligue 1.
His Marseille teammate, Amine Gouiri, recently called Balerdi “the most underrated player in Ligue 1,” praising his defensive skills and leadership.
Balerdi, who has six caps for Argentina and has previously played for Borussia Dortmund, has been a regular starter for Marseille this season, appearing 26 times in Ligue 1 as the team currently sits in second place.
Despite his impressive performances, Balerdi has not received the level of recognition he deserves, according to Gouiri.
Leeds United are reportedly ready to make an offer for Balerdi, and it’s suggested that the club could spend close to £40 million on the centre-back.
This would take up a significant portion of Leeds’ summer budget but would provide Farke with a key defensive asset, filling an area of the squad that lacks depth.
Additionally, signing Balerdi could allow Ethan Ampadu to return to his preferred midfield role or be deployed in other areas of the pitch, as he has recently featured at centre-back alongside Joe Rodon.
