Many people featured for Leeds United throughout the 2025/26 campaign, after securing promotion back to the Premier League - with relegation being tipped by numerous pundits.

Daniel Farke’s previous failures in such a division at Norwich City were the main factors behind such calls, but in reality, the Whites had nothing to worry about under the German.

He led the Yorkshire outfit to a 14th-placed finish in England’s top-flight, subsequently finishing the campaign eight points clear of the relegation places.

A run of just four losses from the final 17 league games of the season allowed for the impressive finish - a once unthinkable feat having lost four games in a row back in November.

However, this summer presents the perfect opportunity for the hierarchy to back Farke in his quest for success and build on the club’s first season back in Europe’s best division.

Leeds said to be leading the race to sign talented star

Over the last few weeks, the Leeds recruitment team will no doubt have been conducting their due diligence on a number of their current transfer targets after the window’s opening on Monday.

Departing Fulham star Harry Wilson has been one name consistently linked with a move to Elland Road, after their previous attempts to secure his signature.

However, his availability as a free agent this window could present a superb opportunity to strike, but Farke’s men may have to fend off interest from Aston Villa for the 29-year-old’s services.

Wilson isn’t the only player to appear on the Whites’ shortlist as of late, with Southampton midfielder Shea Charles another who’s constantly been linked with a potential move.

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are currently leading the race to land the 22-year-old sensation, who featured 31 times in England’s second tier last campaign.

The report claims Everton are another side keen on landing the Northern Ireland international, but they are currently focusing on other targets - resulting in the Whites leading the race. It's noted that the Whites are set to ramp up their efforts to sign the player in the coming weeks having completed extensive work on the player.

The player himself is said to be open to a Premier League move this summer, and could cost £20m this window, having got just 12 months left on his deal at St Mary’s.

Why Charles would be perfect for Calvert-Lewin at Leeds

As part of last summer’s recruitment drive, Leeds completed the free transfer of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin after his release from fellow Premier League side, Everton.

His frequent injury record raised concerns to many that the Englishman would be able to lead the line for a full 38-game campaign - but it’s safe to say he certainly managed to silence his critics.

The 29-year-old netted 14 goals in the Premier League throughout his first season in Yorkshire - with no player in Farke’s netted more during the same period.

It’s likely that the target man will remain as the Whites’ number one centre-forward next term, but it’s crucial the hierarchy recruit players who can help him add further goals to his tally in 2026/27.

A move for Charles could provide the talisman with the support he needs, with the Southampton star producing some incredible stats during his most recent campaign in the Championship.

The deep-lying midfielder managed to complete 86% of the passes he attempted, whilst also registering a staggering 1.2 chances created for his teammates per 90.

The aforementioned tallies both rank him in the top 25% of all midfielders in Europe, with the figures undoubtedly handing Calvert-Lewin the chances he needs for success in the final third.

Charles also managed to complete 33% of his crosses last season, helping him register two assists and also ranking in the top 15% for the two statistics.

However, the Northern Ireland international has also thrived without the ball, subsequently making 2.1 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per 90 for the Saints last term.

His all-round nature hasn’t gone unnoticed in recent months, as EFL expert Ali Maxwell has raved about Charles - even labelling him a future “£50-60m player.”

The 22-year-old’s superb ball-winning ability, coupled with his talent in progressing the play, could make him yet another shrewd addition for Leeds and Farke.

His skillset could see him play a superb role in aiding Calvert-Lewin with added chances in front of goal and subsequently increase his already impressive goalscoring record.

£20m for the youngster could prove excellent business for the Whites - especially if he can progress and reach the next level in his development in Yorkshire.