It is expected to be a busy transfer window for Leeds United as they look to rebuild the squad after last season’s struggles. The Whites stayed up only on the final day in May with a 2-1 win over Brentford, ensuring a happy ending to a campaign hampered by numerous injuries.
Leeds will be keen to ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes this time around and after just two new signings in the last 18 months, Victor Orta has a big job on his hands. Unlike other sides around them such as Aston Villa and Newcastle United, Leeds do not have a huge budget, and so will have to spend smartly.
So with that in mind, here is a look at four realistic players they could sign, based on WhoScored.com's top 50 performing players, from Europe’s top five leagues.
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Moussa Dembele – Lyon
Lyon striker Moussa Dembele hit over 20 goals in a single league campaign for the first time in his career last season. Dembele recovered from his woes of the 2020/21 season to rediscover his goal scoring touch that has been on show almost everywhere he has been.
The 25-year-old averages just shy of a goal every other game during his time at Lyon and could provide Leeds with a superb option at the top end of the pitch. Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt are currently Leeds’ only recognised first team strikers, but the Whites are keen on bolstering their options after the former’s injury woes last season.
Martin Terrier – Rennes
With Raphinha seemingly destined to leave Leeds this summer, they could choose to raid French side Rennes once again for his replacement. Martin Terrier could be that man after he enjoyed a superb season in Ligue 1 with 21 goals and four assists in 37 league matches, including a spell towards the back end of the season where he scored in seven successive matches.
Terrier can play both as a second striker and left winger, making him an extremely versatile player who could play both alongside Bamford/Gelhardt, or in behind. At 25, Terrier is about to hit the prime years of his career and so he could be an excellent investment.
Benjamin Bourigeaud – Rennes
The second Rennes player to make the list is versatile midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud, who was also able to hit double figures for goals and assists last season. Bourigeaud is someone capable of playing both centrally and out wide, and along with Dimitri Payet, completed the most key passes per 90 in Europe’s top five leagues with 3.2.
The 28-year-old found the net on 11 occasions in Ligue 1, while also providing a further 13 assists – showing he can both score and create. Given his versatility, that could make him the perfect fit for Jesse Marsch’s 4-2-2-2 system, with the duo in behind the strikers allowed to roam in attacking areas of the pitch.
Jonathan Clauss – Lens
Leeds have already been linked with Red Bull Salzburg’s Rasmus Kristensen for the right back spot in recent days, but with competition from Borussia Dortmund and Brentford, it remains to be seen whether that deal gets done. One alternative could be RC Lens’ Jonathan Clauss, who enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out.
Clauss netted five goals and provided 11 assists in 37 Ligue 1 appearances last season and would therefore provide Leeds with the wide attacking outlet they need from full back given how narrow Marsch prefers to play. He is also a fairly versatile player down the right – as he is capable of playing both in a back four or five.
