Leeds United’s search for another attacking weapon has taken another intriguing turn, with Daniel Farke and the club’s recruitment team continuing to explore their options before the transfer window closes.

The Whites have already made an encouraging start to the new Premier League campaign, but there is a growing feeling around Elland Road that the squad could still benefit from one more difference-maker in the final third.

Farke’s side opened the season with consecutive victories over Nottingham Forest, recording clean sheets in both matches. Summer arrivals James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic also made impressive early contributions, giving supporters plenty of reasons for optimism.

However, Leeds’ hierarchy does not appear to be satisfied with simply standing still.

The club remain interested in adding more attacking quality, particularly after one of their long-standing targets appears to be edging closer to a move elsewhere.

Leeds forced to consider alternatives

Igor Paixao has been heavily associated with a potential move to Elland Road for much of the summer.

The Marseille attacker enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, scoring six Ligue 1 goals and providing five assists in 22 starts. His European record was arguably even more eye-catching, with four goals in eight Champions League appearances.

Those numbers help explain why Leeds were interested.

But the situation surrounding Paixao has become increasingly difficult for Farke’s side.

Sunderland have reportedly moved strongly into the race and are understood to have reached an agreement on personal terms with the Brazilian winger.

If that eventually leads to a completed transfer, Leeds would need to move quickly to another target rather than allowing their attacking plans to stall.

One of the players still being considered is RB Leipzig forward Conrad Harder, although Leeds are not alone in their interest, with Lazio also reportedly monitoring the situation.

And there is another name that could provide an entirely different kind of opportunity.

Could Chelsea star become Leeds’ late answer?

A potential loan move for Mykhailo Mudryk has emerged as an option for Leeds.

The Ukrainian winger has endured an extremely difficult period, having not featured in a competitive match since December 2024. That lack of football means any move would come with obvious questions surrounding his match sharpness and ability to immediately make an impact.

Nevertheless, his talent is difficult to ignore.

Leeds have previously held discussions with Chelsea regarding a temporary move, while Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso is reportedly open to the possibility of allowing Mudryk to leave on loan if there are assurances over his playing time.

Mudryk himself is also understood to be receptive to the idea of joining Leeds.

That could create a fascinating opportunity for both parties.

For Mudryk, regular Premier League football could represent the platform he desperately needs to rebuild his confidence and demonstrate why Chelsea invested heavily in him.

For Leeds, meanwhile, a temporary agreement could provide Farke with an explosive attacking option without requiring the club to commit to a major permanent transfer at the end of the window.

Mudryk could offer something different

Should the deal materialise, Mudryk would likely compete with Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor for opportunities on the left side of Farke’s attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin expected to lead the line.

There are certainly concerns surrounding Mudryk’s lack of recent competitive action, but his previous Premier League performances showed flashes of the qualities that made him such a highly regarded prospect.

During the 2023/24 campaign, he recorded seven combined goals and assists across 18 appearances.

His creative numbers also offered encouragement.

Mudryk averaged 1.8 chances created per 90 minutes that season, while his dribbling statistics demonstrated the directness he could potentially bring to Leeds’ attack. He completed 2.2 successful take-ons per 90 minutes with a 56 per cent success rate.

Those qualities could give Farke another attacking profile to work with.

Rather than relying entirely on established production, Leeds could be betting on a player with significant room to rediscover his best form.

The gamble that could pay off

There is an obvious element of risk involved.

Mudryk has barely played competitive football for an extended period, and Leeds would have to carefully manage his return. But that is also what makes the possibility so intriguing.

A motivated Mudryk arriving at Elland Road with something to prove could potentially become one of the more fascinating late-window stories.

Leeds are no longer simply trying to assemble a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League. After their strong opening results, expectations are beginning to rise, and adding another attacking threat could strengthen Farke’s options considerably.

The situation remains unresolved.

Paixao could still be the subject of further developments, Harder remains another possibility, and Mudryk’s potential loan would require negotiations to fall into place.

But with the transfer deadline approaching, Leeds cannot afford to wait indefinitely.

The next few days could therefore prove decisive.

If Farke gets the attacking reinforcement he wants, Leeds could enter the remainder of the season with considerably more firepower. And if the club manages to revive Mudryk’s career in the process, what initially looks like a short-term gamble could become a very different story by the end of the campaign.