Leeds ‘will sign’ new No 10 as transfer expert names two elite stars who top Farke wishlist

Leeds United Push for New No.10 as Buendia and Hamer Emerge as Top Targets, Max Aarons Move Off

Leeds United are stepping up their summer recruitment drive as they prepare for life back in the Premier League, with a dynamic attacking midfielder now viewed as a top priority. Manager Daniel Farke is keen to add a creative spark in the No.10 role, and two high-profile targets have emerged at the top of his shortlist: Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia and Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer.

Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has confirmed that both players are being seriously considered, and Leeds intend to secure at least one of them before the transfer window closes. While other positions such as goalkeeper, left-back, centre-back, and striker are also on Farke’s shopping list, the attacking midfield role is being given particular attention given the squad’s current limitations.

Brenden Aaronson, who played more minutes than anyone in the squad last season aside from Joe Rodon, has struggled to fully convince he can perform consistently at Premier League level. As a result, Leeds are looking for a more established and impactful creative force to drive the team forward.

Buendia and Hamer: Leeds’ Midfield Mission

Among the leading candidates is Emiliano Buendia, a player well known to Farke from their time together at Norwich City. Leeds have made their interest in the 28-year-old Argentine clear in recent days, with Buendia considered surplus to requirements at Aston Villa. Despite a challenging loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen – where he registered just two goals and no assists across 14 appearances – his proven pedigree in English football makes him an appealing option.

Villa are reportedly open to offloading Buendia this summer as they seek to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). A price tag of around £20 million has been floated, though Leeds are expected to negotiate a lower fee given the player’s recent form and injury record.

Another target being closely monitored is Gustavo Hamer. The Brazil-born midfielder had a standout campaign with Sheffield United despite their struggles, contributing 10 goals and eight assists across 46 appearances. Known for his technical quality, set-piece prowess, and work rate, Hamer was subject to an £18 million bid from Leeds last summer — a bid the Blades rejected. With Sheffield United failing to bounce back to the Premier League and manager Chris Wilder now gone, the door may be open for Leeds to revive their interest.

Bailey, speaking to LeedsUnitedNews, suggested that both Buendia and Hamer are viable options — and that the Whites are in a strong position to take their time and choose the best fit.

> “What we’re seeing in the No.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia,” said Bailey. “They are weighing up options, but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a No.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of them, and we know Farke likes both. If Villa do have PSR problems, you don’t deal with Villa now – you wait towards the end of the window.”

Transfer Activity Ramps Up: Bijol, Diarra, and More

Farke is aiming to bring in at least five new players this summer as he attempts to construct a side capable of staying up. Leeds have already sealed the free transfer of forward Luka Nmecha from Manchester City and are close to finalising a deal for centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese. An announcement confirming Bijol’s arrival could be made as soon as Saturday afternoon.

In addition, Leeds have also been linked with other targets, including Senegalese midfielder Habib Diarra. The club has reportedly submitted a bid worth £21 million, which was rejected by Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. However, comments from the club’s president indicate that further negotiations could lead to an agreement.

Max Aarons Move Off, Rangers Win the Race

Meanwhile, one potential target Leeds will not be signing is Max Aarons. Despite previous interest and speculation about a possible reunion between Farke and the former Norwich City full-back, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Aarons is heading to Scottish giants Rangers instead.

Romano posted on X (formerly Twitter):

> “Rangers have signed all documents for Max Aarons deal as he’s joining on loan from Bournemouth. Aarons has also agreed to the move and formal steps will follow.”

That deal rules out the 24-year-old as an option for Leeds’ defensive plans, meaning the club will continue their search for full-back reinforcements elsewhere.

Roma Youngster Also On the Radar

Leeds are not only targeting experienced players, however. The Whites are believed to be monitoring a young Roma midfielder, with the player expected to leave the Serie A club this summer. Romano has confirmed Leeds’ interest in the teenager, who is a compatriot of incoming defender Jaka Bijol.

With several deals already underway and others still in early stages, Leeds United’s summer transfer window is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent club history. The goal is clear: build a competitive squad capable of securing top-flight survival, and avoid repeating the mistakes that led to relegation just two years ago.