news-engine

← sassuolo

Leeds' dream XI for season opener vs Nottingham Forest as three transfers sealed

· Tom Sunderland · 2026-07-26 · nguồn gốc

Leeds United's dream XI for season opener vs Nottingham Forest as three top transfers sealed Leeds United are in the final month of their preparations for the new Premier League season as Daniel Farke looks to wrap up some transfer business before facing Nottingham Forest Less than a month remains until Leeds United open their new Premier League season away to Nottingham Forest. The Whites travel to the City Ground on Saturday, August 22, aiming to build some positive momentum on the back of last term's 14th-place finish. Daniel Farke has been somewhat sparing in his recruitment so far this summer. Leeds acquired Harry Wilson on a free transfer after his exit from Fulham, while centre-back Tarik Muharemovic is a welcome addition following his reported £34.1million move from Sassuolo. There are still holes in Farke's squad in need of filling between now and their season-opener against Forest, however. And Leeds Live has outlined what a dream XI might look like around this time next month. FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page Goalkeeper: James Trafford The most significant move Leeds can make between now and the start of the campaign is between the posts, given the departures of Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, while the club would seemingly like to move on from Lucas Perri. And England international James Trafford has all the hallmarks of being the club's ideal recruit. Newcastle could throw a spanner in the works if they get serious in their interest for the Man City star, who seems destined to leave the Etihad sooner rather than later. Reports of City demanding £50m for the 23-year-old are problematic, though even that could end up being a worthy investment for a player who could keep guard for the next decade if all goes to plan. Right-back: Jayden Bogle While some full-back cover on either side of defence certainly wouldn't go astray, there are no major concerns over Jayden Bogle returning as a starter this season. The former Sheffield United star has quietly earned himself fan favourite status over the past two terms and deserves another run as the go-to right-back. Left-back: Gabriel Gudmundsson It's a similar situation for Gabriel Gudmundsson, who was reportedly the subject of interest from Chelsea earlier this summer but looks set to start as Farke's default option at left-back. Again, Farke could do with a back-up option capable of pushing the Swede on, but there are no worries over his place in the XI. Centre-back: Tarik Muharemovic The star of Sassuolo has arrived to fill a Pascal Struijk-shaped hole, with Leeds filling their need for a left-sided centre-back in slick fashion. The Struijk money (and a little bit extra) was reinvested to sign Muharemovic after Italian titans Inter Milan and Juventus each reportedly showed interest earlier this year. The Bosnia & Herzegovina international was on display at the World Cup earlier this summer, where he continued to prove his merit at the elite level. Still just 23 years old, it may not be long before the big guns come calling if he can replicate his previous form in the Premier League. Centre-back: Joe Rodon Assuming he can stay fit, Joe Rodon continues to stand out as the premier choice to partner new signing Muharemovic in defence. The Welshman has averaged 45 appearances per season across his three campaigns at Leeds, as Farke hopes for another year with Rodon at his best in a restructured backline. Official premium experiences at Elland Road are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable. Centre midfield: Ethan Ampadu Rodon's compatriot Ethan Ampadu should bring the Welsh representation in the starting XI up, especially if he retains the captaincy this season. Fan favourite Ampadu recently penned a new long-term contract at Elland Road, demonstrating just how essential he is to Farke's plans as the club looks to climb into the top half of the table. Centre midfield: Shea Charles Perhaps the signing that will end up accounting for most of Leeds' remaining transfer capital after Trafford if both deals go through. Southampton's Shea Charles has been closely linked with a move to Elland Road, where Leeds are understood to have made three offers for the midfielder so far. There's clearly a belief on Leeds' behalf that a deal is there to be done, though maybe not at the £30m mark the Saints are supposedly hoping for. That being said, the Manchester City academy graduate could prove he's worth the expense in any case, given just how he's shone at Championship level. Right wing: Harry Wilson The third and final Welsh piece of Leeds' puzzle is new man Harry Wilson, who stands the best chance of making an impact on his favoured right wing. The 29-year-old has shown he's very capable as a No. 10 for his country, but it was off the right that he put in his best work, amassing 10 goals and seven assists at Fulham last season. Wilson offers value as a more technically astute wide option compared to the likes of Daniel James or Jack Harrison. And his influence in chance creation for those coming more central could have a huge impact on Leeds' fortunes. Left wing: Noah Okafor Leeds fans saw glimpses last season of the threat Noah Okafor can bring at his best - and it was worth getting excited about. The Swiss star is still on his post-World Cup break but is deserving of his chance to play a prominent role in Farke's attack next term. Attacking midfield: Julian Brandt The other realistic addition gathering momentum ahead of August is free agent Julian Brandt. Links to the former Borussia Dortmund star are well-known by now, with the German available after seven productive years at Signal Iduna Park. United States star Brenden Aaronson is an incisive No. 10 on his day but has struggled to stay consistent enough to be the outright pick for the role. Brandt is still ready to offer some long-term value at 30 years of age and would undoubtedly help raise the levels of certain others in the squad. Striker: Dominic Calvert-Lewin If Leeds are going about things like a business, it would probably be prudent to keep weighing up potential upgrades at striker behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. That being said, after his heroics leading the line last season, Calvert-Lewin has surely done enough to warrant faith as the starter up top for the season's opening game.