Leeds to continue spending spree in bid for Premier League survival

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The Football Faithful

·6 August 2025

Leeds to continue spending spree in bid for Premier League survival

Leeds United are preparing to make their final push in the transfer market with three high-profile deals in advanced stages.

The Championship winners are pushing to sign Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Swiss defender Mattia Zanotti, while Joe Gelhardt is set to return to Hull City on loan as Daniel Farke finalises his Premier League-ready squad.

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Big-money moves and strategic departures shape Leeds’ recruitment

Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri confirmed that the club met with representatives of Bilal El Khannouss yesterday as Leeds act purposefully in the final weeks of the transfer window.

🇲🇦❌ Playing in European competitions is not a decisive factor in Bilal El Khannouss’s decision. Leeds United has scheduled a meeting with the player in the coming days, and Crystal Palace could also make a move depending on departures next week. ⏳Wait&See. #mercato #LCFC
– Wednesday, 6 August 2025

After missing out on Igor Paixao to Marseille, the 21-year-old Leicester City midfielder has become Leeds’ main target; with the promoted outfit ready to trigger his £24.5 million release clause before it runs out on August 15th.

With three assists and two goals in 32 Premier League games last year, El Khannouss fits the flexible attacking midfielder that Daniel Farke so desperately needs. Providing the ingenuity and Premier League experience required for Leeds’ top-flight survival aspirations, the Moroccan international can play as a classic winger or as a number 10.

Crystal Palace, though, still show interest but must first sell Arsenal target Eberechi Eze before acting. Given Leicester’s demotion, this delay could be critical as it allows Leeds to get the edge in landing a player who has expressed his desire to stay in the Premier League.

Leeds are concurrently pursuing negotiations for Lugano right-back Mattia Zanotti, with reports claiming that talks are moving on a €10 million (£8.7 million) transfer.

After Isaac Schmidt’s approaching transfer to Werder Bremen, the 22-year-old Italy Under-21 international, known as “The Tractor” for his physical strength, will tackle Leeds’ full-back issues.

German magazine Deich Stube affirms that Bremen is still certain of finishing Schmidt’s signing once Leeds obtain Zanotti’s services. During his first season at Lugano, the adaptable defender, who can play right-back, wing-back, or centre-back, impressed with 41 outings and 11 assists.

Meanwhile, Joe Gelhardt is wrapping up his season-long loan return to Hull City; Hull Live’s Barry Cooper says the 23-year-old striker has said he is intent on rejoining the Tigers. A five-goal scorer in 20 games during his most recent loan stint, Gelhardt assisted Hull in avoiding Championship relegation and has made his desire obvious to Leeds management.

Leeds are working to create a Premier League-ready squad, having already spent £73.5 million on seven new acquisitions, including goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon for £15.6 million. With only £6.5 million recovered from sales, the club’s relentless spending shows their will to avoid the fate of the last six promoted teams, all of which went straight back down.

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