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Leeds Plot Summer Move for “Extraordinary” Talent Tipped to Be Farke’s Next Tanaka
Leeds United Brace for Crucial Summer Ahead of Premier League Return
Leeds United face a pivotal summer as they prepare for life back in the Premier League during the 2025/26 season. With top-flight survival the ultimate goal, the club must now build a squad strong enough to avoid an immediate return to the Championship — a fate that has befallen every newly-promoted side over the past two seasons.
Clubs like Southampton, Ipswich, Leicester, Luton, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all struggled to stay afloat after promotion. It’s now up to Daniel Farke to break that pattern and keep Leeds among the elite.
Despite speculation surrounding his future at Elland Road, preparations for the summer transfer window are already underway, with several potential signings being linked to a move to West Yorkshire.
Transfer Hunt Heats Up: Longstaff and Dahmen on Leeds’ Radar
One name being closely linked to Leeds is Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff. The 27-year-old has Premier League experience that could prove crucial for a club looking to establish itself in the top flight. However, Leeds aren’t alone in the race — Everton are also reportedly interested, with Newcastle said to be open to selling for around £10 million.
Meanwhile, Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen has emerged as another target. According to BILD via Sport Witness, Leeds are considering a summer move for the 27-year-old as they look to strengthen their options between the sticks. Although no official price tag has been set, Dahmen is reportedly open to a Premier League move to continue his development at the highest level.
Dahmen: Farke’s Next Tanaka?
This past season has seen Leeds secure both promotion and the signing of standout midfielder Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf for just £3.5 million. The Japanese international quickly became a core figure under Farke, making 44 appearances and contributing six goals and assists. His performances earned him a spot in the Championship Team of the Season and established him as one of the club’s most effective signings in recent years.
Now, Dahmen could follow a similar path. If he replicates even a portion of Tanaka’s impact, he could quickly win over the Elland Road faithful and become vital to Leeds’ survival hopes.
Dahmen’s stats this season are impressive: in 16 appearances, he’s kept nine clean sheets and conceded just ten goals. Journalist Christian Pohlmann has praised his performances as “extraordinary,” and the numbers back it up — Dahmen has saved 85% of shots faced, averages 3.5 saves per match, and hasn’t made a single error leading to a goal. He’s also comfortable playing out from the back, completing 68% of his passes in the 2024/25 campaign.
Though it’s unclear how much a deal would cost, Dahmen’s recent form suggests he’d be a strong addition. With the success of recent signings from Germany — Tanaka in particular — Leeds may well be looking to the Bundesliga again to find the talent needed to thrive in the Premier League.
