​The seismic shifts at Elland Road continue as Leeds United officially kick off their search for a defensive cornerstone. Following the inevitable—and somewhat reluctant—sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton & Hove Albion in a deal worth up to £18 million, manager Daniel Farke is facing a significant hole in his backline. With the Dutchman moving on in search of a fresh challenge, the club is wasting no time, drafting an ambitious five-man shortlist to plug the gap.

​The New Targets: Natan and Lloyd Kelly

​The hunt for Struijk’s successor has quickly narrowed down to some of Europe’s most promising defensive talent. Leading the pack are two high-profile names currently plying their trade abroad.

​First, reports from Spain have linked the Whites with a move for Real Betis’ Brazilian powerhouse, Natan. At 25 years old and standing at an imposing 6ft 2in, Natan has emerged as a premier target. With 45 appearances under his belt last season, he brings the kind of top-tier experience Farke craves. While Leeds is reportedly ready to lodge a “strong financial offer,” they face stiff competition from heavyweights like Brentford and Roma. However, with Real Betis reportedly open to a sale to bolster their own transfer funds, this could be a deal that moves quickly.

​Simultaneously, the club has set its sights on Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly. The 27-year-old Englishman has become a fixture in Turin since his permanent move from Newcastle United, racking up 65 appearances for the Old Lady. Sources indicate that Leeds holds a “concrete interest” in bringing the former Bournemouth captain back to the Premier League. With Juventus looking to generate revenue, Kelly could be the experienced, battle-hardened leader Farke needs to anchor his defense.

​A Summer of Strategic Rotation

​The ambition doesn’t stop with those two. TEAMtalk understands that Leeds is also actively monitoring three other defensive profiles to ensure they have adequate cover, particularly amid rumors that Sebastiaan Bornauw may be eyeing an exit from West Yorkshire.

• ​Danilho Doekhi: The Dutch defender remains a long-term target for the Whites. His impending free agency and versatility—capable of playing in both a back three or a back four—make him a highly attractive, cost-effective option.
• ​Nico Elvedi: Well-known to Farke, the Borussia Mönchengladbach man enters the final year of his contract, potentially opening the door for a cut-price deal.
• ​Ladislav Krejci: As previously revealed by our sources, direct talks have already taken place with the Wolves man, keeping him firmly in the frame as a flexible defensive solution.

​Closing the Door on a Return

​While the club looks to the future, they have definitively closed the door on one familiar face. Despite intense speculation, Charlie Cresswell will not be returning to Leeds. Sources confirm the former Whites defender is poised to bypass his former club entirely, with Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage set to finalize a deal for the Toulouse star, choosing him over several Chelsea alternatives.

​The Strategy for Success

​With the defensive market moving fast, Leeds is reportedly prepared to bring in two new centre-halves to ensure the squad is fully equipped for the challenges ahead. By moving proactively to secure their targets, the board is demonstrating a clear determination to avoid the defensive fragility that plagued segments of their previous campaign.

​For the Leeds faithful, the message is clear: the departure of Struijk is not the end of the club’s defensive ambitions, but rather the catalyst for a major squad evolution. As discussions heat up and official bids are prepared, the next few weeks at Elland Road promise to be a flurry of activity. Will Farke land his top targets, or will the competitive nature of the transfer window force Leeds to look elsewhere? One thing is certain: the new-look Leeds defense is under construction, and the 49ers are pulling out all the stops to get it right.

​Which of these five defenders do you think would be the best fit for Daniel Farke’s system? Should Leeds focus their funds on a big-money signing like Natan or go for the experience of Lloyd Kelly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!