49ers now taking concrete steps in move to sign 18 y/o defender for Leeds

Leeds United Set Sights on Rising Defensive Star After Missing Out on Key Midfield Targets

Leeds United appear to be ramping up their summer recruitment efforts after suffering two major setbacks in the transfer market. Having missed out on top targets Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra—both of whom have opted to join rivals Sunderland—the Whites are now shifting focus and taking decisive steps to secure alternative reinforcements, particularly in defence.

Leeds Refocus After Transfer Blows

With the new Premier League campaign just a month away, the pressure is mounting on the Leeds hierarchy to strengthen the squad. The club’s ambitious return to the top flight, backed by the 49ers Enterprises ownership group, had been boosted by the signings of Slovenian international Jaka Bijol and Belgian centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw. However, the failure to land midfield duo Sadiki and Diarra has forced the recruitment team back to the drawing board.

Bornauw, the latest arrival at Elland Road, expressed his excitement at joining the club in an interview with the official Leeds website.

> “I’m really pleased to be here, it’s an amazing club. The Premier League was always my dream, and then to play for such a big club in England and in Europe, it’s a dream come true. Obviously, Germany is a really strong league too, but I think as a football player, we aim for the highest and I think the Premier League is the highest for me.”

While the addition of Bornauw is a clear statement of intent, Leeds are far from done in the market. The club is now linked with several other players to bolster the squad further and ensure manager Daniel Farke has enough quality and depth heading into the 2025/26 season.

Among those under consideration are former Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares and Juventus winger Timothy Weah. Tavares would offer a direct replacement for Junior Firpo following his exit, while Weah could inject serious pace and creativity into Leeds’ attacking line. Both players come with considerable top-level experience and would immediately elevate the team’s competitiveness.

Leeds Now Moving to Sign Promising Young Talent Jassi

But it’s not just proven experience that Leeds are targeting. The club is also casting an eye toward the future, with reports now revealing that they are taking concrete steps to sign highly rated teenage defender Suaibo Jassi from Portuguese side Santa Clara.

According to TeamTalk, Leeds have been keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old right-back after receiving glowing reports from club scouts who have tracked his recent performances. Interest in Jassi is heating up, with fellow Premier League side Brentford also keen on securing his signature, but Leeds are believed to be pushing hard to win the race.

Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has also confirmed the interest, noting that despite only recently joining Santa Clara, Jassi could be on the move again just months after his arrival—such is the level of interest from England.

Described as a player with enormous potential, Jassi may not yet be ready for an immediate first-team role, but he is widely viewed as one for the future. Leeds see him as a long-term option who could eventually challenge for a regular starting spot at right-back, providing competition and depth behind the current senior players.

A Mix of Youth and Experience as Strategy Becomes Clear

The club’s current transfer approach seems clear: blend promising youth prospects with experienced top-flight players to build a squad that is not only capable of surviving in the Premier League but also has the potential to grow and compete at a higher level in the years to come.

After the disappointment of losing out on Diarra and Sadiki, the pursuit of Jassi signals Leeds’ refusal to be discouraged. Instead, they are acting swiftly to secure new targets, and if their recent moves come off, fans at Elland Road could soon see a well-balanced and dynamic squad take shape before the season kicks off.

As the summer window progresses, Leeds supporters will be watching closely to see who else joins the club’s ranks—and whether this latest push for Jassi ends in a breakthrough signing that could benefit the club for years to come.