He could be Raphinha 2.0: Leeds eyeing “one of the best CMs in the world”
Leeds United Step Up Transfer Drive as Premier League Return Looms
With their return to Premier League football fast approaching, Leeds United are ramping up their recruitment efforts to ensure they have the depth and quality to compete at the highest level. After clinching the Championship title in style, attention has now turned to assembling a squad capable of not only surviving but thriving in the top flight.
Having already reinforced their attacking options with the signing of former Manchester City youth talent Lucas Nmecha from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, Leeds appear to be showing serious ambition in the transfer market. The versatile forward is expected to bring a new dimension to Daniel Farke’s frontline, adding pace, movement, and goal-scoring potential.
Meanwhile, all signs suggest that Jaka Bijol is next through the door at Elland Road. The Udinese centre-back has reportedly completed a medical and is on the verge of being unveiled as Leeds’ newest defensive recruit. His arrival would significantly boost Farke’s backline, particularly in light of Max Wöber’s expected departure.
Midfield Reinforcements Now the Priority
With forward and defensive reinforcements nearly secured, Leeds have now turned their attention to strengthening their midfield – an area identified as crucial for their Premier League survival. Several targets have emerged, including Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, as the club looks to inject energy, creativity, and steel into the heart of their team.
Of the two, Diarra appears to be the most realistic acquisition at present. Reports suggest Leeds have tabled an offer in the region of £21 million to secure the Strasbourg man’s services. Negotiations, however, are moving slowly, which has prompted the Whites to widen their search and explore other high-profile alternatives.
Douglas Luiz: A Premier League Proven Option
According to Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Leeds United have entered the race to sign Douglas Luiz, the highly-rated Brazilian midfielder currently on the books at Juventus. The former Aston Villa star, who only moved to Italy last summer for a hefty £42 million, is reportedly available for transfer following an underwhelming season in Turin.
Juventus, now under the guidance of Igor Tudor, appear willing to sanction Luiz’s departure, though his price tag remains a sticking point. A permanent deal could be out of reach financially, but Leeds may have a pathway through a loan-to-buy agreement. Under such terms, they would pay an initial loan fee with a £25 million obligation to buy, significantly below the midfielder’s previous £100 million valuation from just a year ago.
Given his past exploits in the Premier League with Villa, where he emerged as one of Unai Emery’s most trusted players, Luiz represents a potentially transformative signing for Leeds. At £25 million, this could be one of the savvier deals of the summer—especially for a player who was once considered among the top central midfielders in England.
Could Luiz Be Leeds’ Next Raphinha?
There’s a growing sentiment among fans and pundits that a move for Luiz could replicate the impact of Raphinha, another Brazilian talent who rose to prominence in West Yorkshire. Signed from Rennes for a modest £16 million, Raphinha quickly became a fan favourite, dazzling supporters with his flair, creativity, and match-winning ability. In just two seasons, he racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances before earning a big-money move to Barcelona.
Douglas Luiz could well be the midfield equivalent of that success story. While Raphinha arrived with promise and delivered consistently, Luiz comes with proven top-flight pedigree and a desire to reignite his career. During his final campaign at Villa, the Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder scored nine goals, placing him in the top 7% of Premier League midfielders for goal contributions—a remarkable figure for a central midfielder.
His blend of technical ability, positional awareness, and tenacity would make him an invaluable asset for Daniel Farke, especially as the manager looks to build a team with both resilience and dynamism. Luiz has already been dubbed “one of the best sixes in the Premier League” and even “one of the best midfielders in the world” by Italian media, while his former Villa teammate John McGinn once hailed him as “world-class.”
Leeds United’s New Engine Room Leader?
Luiz would likely slot straight into the starting XI, bringing much-needed composure and leadership to Leeds’ engine room. His experience at the highest level and versatility—capable of operating as a defensive midfielder or in a box-to-box role—offers Farke tactical flexibility and a reliable core around which to build.
If the deal materialises, it could prove to be one of the most defining transfers of the summer—not just for Leeds, but for the Premier League. Much like Raphinha before him, Luiz has the potential to become a cult hero at Elland Road, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the Whites not only stay up but push on.