Leeds want to blow Borussia Dortmund out of water to sign winger amid £10.1m news
Leeds United Eye Summer Reinforcements Amid Premier League Return — Mainz’s Anthony Caci Emerges as Key Target
Leeds United face a crucial summer transfer window as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. After an impressive campaign under manager Daniel Farke that saw them clinch the Championship title, the focus has now shifted to building a squad capable of not just surviving but competing in the top flight next season.
While the triumph in the second tier demonstrated Leeds’ strength and tactical cohesion, the jump in quality between the Championship and Premier League is substantial. To bridge that gap, the club must bolster its ranks with players who possess proven experience at the highest levels of football.
The club’s ownership group, 49ers Enterprises, is expected to support Farke in the market. However, with financial fair play regulations — particularly Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) — looming over their spending, Leeds will need to act prudently. Balancing ambition with fiscal responsibility will be key as they target players who offer both value and quality.
One player who has already been strongly linked with a move to Elland Road is Anthony Caci of Bundesliga side Mainz 05. According to recent reports from German outlet BILD Frankfurt, the French full-back could be available for around £10.1 million — a fee that has reportedly piqued the interest of Leeds, Borussia Dortmund, Fulham, and Rennes.
Caci, 27, enjoyed a standout season in Germany, where he predominantly featured as a wing-back but also demonstrated versatility by filling in as a full-back or even higher up the flank when required. He contributed seven assists over the campaign, highlighting his attacking prowess and ability to support the forward line effectively.
Given his contract is set to expire at the end of next season, Mainz may be inclined to cash in on the Frenchman this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 2026. That scenario has led to increased competition for his signature, with Dortmund and Fulham both monitoring the situation closely. Despite the competition, Leeds are reportedly keen to outbid their rivals and make a strong statement by securing his services.
Adding a player of Caci’s calibre would align perfectly with Leeds United’s strategic objectives this summer. Farke has made it clear that experience and composure at the top level are essential attributes he is looking for, and Caci ticks many of those boxes.
The Frenchman began his career with Strasbourg, breaking into the senior team at a young age and quickly establishing himself as a regular in Ligue 1. Since making the switch to the Bundesliga in 2022, he has continued to develop, becoming one of Mainz’s most consistent performers over the past three seasons. His adaptability, combined with his steady improvement and recent peak form, makes him an attractive proposition for any club seeking to solidify their defensive and wide areas.
From Leeds’ point of view, the potential £10.1 million outlay represents a calculated investment. In a market where prices for wide players and attacking full-backs can quickly soar, Caci could prove to be a cost-effective option with significant upside. His tactical versatility and top-flight pedigree make him an ideal fit for a side aiming to establish themselves in the Premier League.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Leeds United will continue to explore opportunities to reinforce key areas of the squad. If they can land targets like Caci, it would mark an important step toward ensuring their Premier League return is not short-lived.