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The whopping £257m most expensive newly-promoted XI Leeds United could add to this summer
Leeds United Set for Major Summer Spending Ahead of Premier League Return
Leeds United are preparing to open their wallet this summer as they gear up for life back in the Premier League — and their transfer business is already in full swing.
The past week saw a significant development with the imminent arrival of Jaka Bijol from Udinese.
The 26-year-old Slovenian centre-back is set to become Leeds’ first paid signing of the window, following the free transfer of striker Lukas Nmecha. Bijol adds experience and aerial presence to Daniel Farke’s defensive setup.
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And Leeds aren’t stopping there. The club has also submitted bids for Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra and Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz — with reports suggesting the offer for Muniz exceeded £30 million.
These moves signal Leeds’ intent to spend big as they aim to build a Premier League-ready squad.
Currently, just one former Leeds player features in the all-time XI of most expensive signings made by newly promoted clubs. However, with Farke at the helm and the transfer window open until September 1, that could soon change.
Here’s a look at the current starting XI made up of the costliest signings by promoted sides:
1. Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
(Southampton)
Signed from Arsenal for £25 million last summer, Ramsdale joined the Saints in a high-profile move, although he couldn’t prevent their immediate relegation.
2. Right-Back: Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
A £17 million signing from Liverpool in 2022, Williams has since established himself as a dependable Premier League performer for Forest.
3. Centre-Back: Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton)
After a successful loan spell, Southampton made his move permanent for £20 million following their play-off victory over Leeds.
4. Centre-Back: Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Initially brought in on loan, Mings was signed permanently for £20 million after helping Villa win promotion in 2018/19.
5. Left-Back: Matt Targett (Aston Villa)
Villa spent around £11 million on the promising full-back from Southampton in the summer of 2019 following their promotion.
6. Right Midfield: Omari Hutchinson (Ipswich Town)
After impressing on loan from Chelsea, Hutchinson joined Ipswich permanently in a deal worth around £22 million.
With Leeds showing early signs of serious ambition, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a few Elland Road names break into this list before the transfer window closes.
