Leeds United’s transfer window could be heading toward a dramatic finale, with Daniel Farke facing one of the biggest attacking decisions of his rebuild.
The Whites already have several pieces in place, but the message from the summer business is becoming increasingly clear: Leeds want far more depth and competition in the final third before the new campaign gathers serious momentum.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin remains expected to lead the line after making a strong impression during his first season at Elland Road. Behind him, however, there is still room for another striker, while the wide areas could benefit from an additional player capable of producing goals consistently.
That is where Leeds’ potential late-window masterplan becomes particularly interesting.
The £40M Wing Gamble
One player who could dramatically change the complexion of Farke’s attack is Marseille winger Igor Paixao.
Leeds have already seen Julian Brandt move elsewhere after his decision to join Ajax, while the financial demands surrounding Rafael Leao could make an approach for the AC Milan star extremely difficult.
Paixao therefore represents a different type of opportunity.
The Brazilian is capable of operating from the left flank but can also move into more advanced positions, giving Farke tactical flexibility. His previous spell with Feyenoord demonstrated his ability to produce consistently in the final third, while his first season in France showed that his goalscoring form could translate beyond the Netherlands.
A transfer in the region of £40 million would represent a substantial investment, but Leeds could view the 26-year-old as precisely the kind of attacking player capable of raising their ceiling.
Marseille’s financial situation could also become an important factor.
If the French club needs to generate significant transfer income, Leeds may see an opportunity to negotiate a deal that would otherwise have been difficult to imagine.
A New Challenger for Calvert-Lewin?
The second piece of the potential attacking overhaul would involve adding another central striker.
Calvert-Lewin cannot realistically be expected to carry the entire goalscoring burden across a Premier League season, particularly with Leeds aiming to establish themselves at the highest level.
Nicola Tresoldi has reportedly been considered, but the competition for his signature and the enormous valuation attached to the Club Brugge forward could make that route complicated.
Ayase Ueda could provide a much more attainable alternative.
The Feyenoord striker has established himself as a prolific scorer in Dutch football and would arrive with significant experience at international level. His goalscoring record in the Eredivisie has made him an attractive option, while Feyenoord’s willingness to consider offers could put Leeds in a position to test the market.
A fee around £15 million would also make the Japanese forward considerably easier to accommodate financially than several other striker targets.
But Leeds would not be alone.
Ipswich Town and Brighton are among the clubs monitoring the situation, meaning Farke’s side may need to move decisively if they genuinely want Ueda at Elland Road.
Four Departures Could Fund the Revolution
Perhaps the most important part of Leeds’ potential attacking transformation is what happens to the players already on the books.
Several fringe forwards could leave as Farke attempts to create space for new arrivals.
Joe Gelhardt is approaching the final year of his contract and could be one of the players sacrificed as Leeds reshape the squad. After spending an extended period away from Elland Road on loan, a permanent move may now make sense for both player and club.
Joel Piroe is another intriguing case. He played a major role during Leeds’ promotion push but found life considerably more difficult in the Premier League, making his future one of the major questions surrounding the squad.
Mateo Joseph could also attract interest following his loan spell in Spain, while Largie Ramazani may be allowed to pursue a permanent opportunity after spending last season away from Yorkshire.
Moving those players would not simply reduce the size of the squad. It could also free wages, transfer funds and squad places for the next generation of attacking talent.
Farke’s Big Decision
Leeds therefore have a potentially explosive choice to make.
Do they continue with the current attacking group and trust the players already available, or do they make one final push for additional firepower?
Adding Paixao and Ueda would give Farke a dramatically different set of options. Calvert-Lewin would have genuine competition through the middle, while Paixao could provide another direct threat from wide areas.
Harry Wilson’s arrival has already added creativity and experience to the attack, while Daniel James and Wilfried Gnonto give Leeds further pace and unpredictability.
The addition of two more quality forwards could take the competition for places to another level.
For a club determined to make its return to the Premier League permanent, that could prove crucial.
Leeds do not simply need more bodies. They need players capable of changing games.
If Farke can complete an attacking double swoop while simultaneously moving on several fringe players, Leeds could enter the new season with one of the most intriguing forward groups of their recent Premier League era.
The final weeks of the window could therefore determine whether Leeds merely survive their latest top-flight challenge—or whether Farke has the attacking depth necessary to push the Whites far higher up the table.


