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Given Leeds United’s position in the food chain as a football club, there will always be other clubs — like Tottenham Hotspur — who pinch their best players.

That was something Leeds United were stung by just over a year ago with Archie Gray joining Spurs for £40 million. Premier League football can help retain their stars, but they will see other depart without it.

Other notable sales while Leeds were exiled from the top flight include the likes of James Milner, Fabian Delph, Jonny Howson, and Aaron Lennon. Relegation, therefore, could be disastrous for them.

Howson has returned to play alongside Harry Gray for the Leeds U-21 team, and he is their ‘prize jewel’ in that academy side. However, interest in the 16-year-old striker has been present for some time now.

Spurs will be monitoring Harry Gray more closely after latest Leeds developments

Just as one example, Max McFadden has joined Spurs from Leeds. However, Leeds will be terrified that Harry could join Archie at Tottenham, following transfer links emerging last season.

Leeds will, of course, want to retain him for longer than his brother. Gray recently signed a new scholarship at Leeds this summer, but he is not yet turned 17.

Gray remains happy at Leeds despite Spurs links. But game time, or a lack thereof, can change that quickly. Gray is featuring regularly for the U-21s, having made just one professional appearance for Leeds.

The problem with being the star of the team is that attention and limelight are always on top of you. Gray has had a remarkable start to the 2025/26 campaign at Premier League 2 level.

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With four goals and two assists in three league games and one EFL Trophy clash with Port Vale for the U-21 team already, it’s fair to say Gray is absolutely flying.

That is six of his team’s eight goals in all competitions. Soon, Gray will be asking Daniel Farke where his more regular first-team chances are. The young Leeds striker came off the bench against Stoke City in a 6-0 demolition under Eddie Gray’s watchful eye.

Eddie is his great uncle, while Frank Gray was his grandfather. It’s in his blood, which Spurs will be fully aware of following the development of Archie over the last 15 months now.

Having been nominated for Premier League 2’s Player of the Month, Gray could not have started much better in a Leeds shirt at academy level this season. Spurs’ Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny has also been nominated for the award.

They continue to lurk around the situation regarding Gray, and will be keeping a watchful eye over his development beyond this point. Gray is one of the most promising young English strikers currently.

It makes retaining him less than simple long-term, especially given his recent trajectory. Relegation or a lack of a pathway into the first-team could be costly for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Either way, Spurs will be monitoring Gray more closely after the latest Leeds developments.

Patrick Bamford compares Archie Gray and Harry Gray

With the Leeds youngster described as special, it’s fair to say he is being tipped for incredibly big things this season and beyond. Gray paid tribute to Patrick Bamford recently following his exit.

The ex-Leeds hero mentored the young striker, and Bamford is confident Gray has a bright future at Leeds. He said: “Harry and Archie look very, very similar; personalities couldn’t be any different.

“When Archie came up, quiet but just got about it. Harry is chirpy. He is proper chirpy — but in a good way. He’s got no problem with having one of the first-team players off. At 16! I swear.

“He, I think, in his head, knows he’s good. I remember when Archie was still at Leeds, I went to watch for the 18s or 21s and Harry was playing.

“I literally — and he knows now because I’ve told him — but I literally went to watch just to see him. He’s good and he’s going to be decent.

“I thought, when he comes up, I’ll try to help him a little bit. It’s weird to say but he like looks up to me a little bit, so I can kind of get away with it with him a bit.

“He could be top. He’s tall, quite slim, quick, very aggressive. For how tall he is, his dribbling is a joke. He can put defenders on their arse.

“In training, he does it a lot. He did it to Joe Rodon. He was through and he chopped the life out of him. Joe hates looking like that. So, all the lads jumped on it winding him up.

“Honestly, times have changed with young players. But I quite like it, because I find him funny.”

Leeds United are set to miss out on the signing of Brighton & Hove Albion’s Facundo Buonanotte.

It’s been made clear that Farke wants a versatile creative player and Facundo Buonanotte can be utilised as a right-sided winger or No.10. The 49ers had earmarked him as both for Leeds United.

It comes after Leeds United News exclusively revealed Brighton’s stance on Buonanotte and that Leeds have ‘never left the table’ this summer, with interest in his signature throughout.

Ben Jacobs then revealed West Ham United and Leeds were leading the Buonanotte race and a loan bid was said to be being considered by the Whites ahead of the transfer deadline.

Leeds United target Facundo Buonanotte’s deal with Chelsea is due to Tottenham

Another report claimed Brighton preferred a loan to England as well this summer. It was then that Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler even commented on Buonanotte’s exit earlier today.

Graham Smyth confirmed Buonanotte’s Thursday flight was cancelled last night. Initially, it was not known why. However, the latest news is that Chelsea have hijacked the move for Buonanotte instead, with BlueCo also agreeing a loan.

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However, today, Romano announced Tottenham Hotspur had struck a deal for Simons after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, which was set to leave Chelsea short.

Enzo Maresca’s side want a profile who is versatile enough to feature out wide or in central attacking areas, which is why they have swooped for Buonanotte.

Beren Cross of The Athletic has confirmed that Spurs’ move for Simons has triggered the move from Chelsea to hijack Leeds’ deal with Brighton for the Argentine.

Graham Smyth’s view of the Facundo Buonanotte situation

Having had Igor Paixao snatched away from them at the 11th hour, Leeds are now searching for another creative player due to the same happening to their Buonanotte deal.

Graham Smyth has detailed it as “Paixao episode II”. He adds that Leeds thought they were close to having it done, hence the booked flight yesterday.

Smyth states: “For it to happen this close to the deadline is so, so far from ideal. This weekend will now be a serious test of Leeds’ agility in the transfer market.”

It will be a test of what they are now able to do with just under four days remaining to finalise their transfer business and feel that they then have a Premier League squad.

Manor Solomon’s future has been a talking point throughout the summer transfer window. But the latest updates may suggest that a return to Leeds United has become very possible.

Manor Solomon was one of the stars of the 2024/25 season at Leeds United scoring 10 goals and assisting 12 more in 39 Championship games as Leeds went on to win the title.

But given the change of manager at Spurs this summer, Solomon’s future with the club wasn’t immediately clear. Solomon returned to pre-season training with Tottenham but soon after picked up a calf injury and he didn’t feature in the squad as Spurs played PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night

Earlier on Wednesday though, Fabrizio Romano dropped a key update on Solomon’s future. He said that the Israeli could still leave Spurs before the summer transfer window shuts with interest coming from La Liga and the Premier League. Romano added that Spurs are aware of interest in Solomon this summer.

Leeds United could strike another loan deal for Manor Solomon

Now, an emerging report from the Evening Standard has weighed in on Solomon’s Spurs future. They write that Spurs are indeed willing to sell Solomon this summer, but only if a suitable offer comes in. Previously, Leeds United News revealed that Spurs want just under £20m for Solomon this summer, making him a potentially affordable option for Daniel Farke.

Interestingly, Standard also revealed that ‘another loan spell away from the club has not been ruled out’ for Solomon, ‘depending on what level of interest Spurs receive’. Throughout the summer, Leeds have shown a keen interest in signing Salomon, and after missing out on a deal to sign Igor Paixao to Marseille, Farke still needs a new right-sided winger ahead of the new season.

Does Manor Solomon even want a return to Leeds United?

There has been a lot of back and forth over whether or not Solomon even wants to return to Elland Road this summer. At first it looked as though he was keen to try and play his way back into the first-team picture at Spurs, but now that Frank has decided Solomon isn’t in his plans, a return to Leeds United may look like a much more attractive option for Solomon.

Previously, Solomon has hinted that he’d be keen on returning to Leeds United, and it’s unsurprising given how much he flourished at the club and flourished playing under Farke. Upon leaving the club at the end of his loan spell, Solomon sent a passionate message to the Leeds United supporters too, saying that Leeds will forever be in his heart and that he doesn’t know what the future holds, failing to rule out a potential return.

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Also, Solomon’s agent has spoken about a potential return to Leeds United. He simply said that Solomon wants to play Premier League football this season, and that he’d prefer to play Premier League football over European football, which could rule out a potential La Liga move.

Right now though, it seems like Solomon has multiple options both in the Premier League and abroad, but Leeds will no doubt have a potential say in his future. And for Farke, a return for Solomon could be one of the best bits of business he does all summer, as we already know how good the Israeli is.

Tottenham Hotspur star James Maddison is set to miss the entirety of the 2025-26 season with injury and it could be bad news for Leeds United as well.

The new Premier League season is still a week away but the first major casualty of the campaign has already been felt.

It has been confirmed that James Maddison suffered a torn ACL in Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

Maddison is set to miss the vast majority, if not all, of the forthcoming season and the blow leaves new Spurs boss Thomas Frank in a bind.

Tottenham have just waved goodbye to talisman Son Heung-min, who has joined Los Angeles FC, and are now another forward down on the cusp of the new season.

Spurs are likely to be forced into the transfer market to remedy the situation and that could be a problem for Leeds United in their pursuit of Bilal El Khannouss.

Tottenham may step up interest in Leeds target El Khannouss after Maddison injury

Daniel Farke has worked to improve the height, physicality and experience of his squad this summer, making seven signings that have solved issues in defence, midfield and between the sticks.

However, they have been very industrious signings lacking in attacking flair and Farke raised concerns of his side’s quality going forward after Saturday’s draw with Villarreal.

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A striker, winger and playmaker are all still being targeted ahead of deadline day on September 1 and, after missing out on Igor Paixao, Leicester City’s El Khannouss has emerged as a top target.

Leeds are the only Premier League club to make a ‘formal enquiry’, according to reports, and El Khannouss is reportedly ‘very interested’ in the move.

However, Leeds face stiff competition with several other top-flight sides interested, including Arsenal.

Additionally, Tottenham were already said to be considering El Khannouss as a replacement for Son.

Now that they have lost Maddison, too, Spurs could well step up their interest in the £22m-rated playmaker.

Even if El Khannouss does like the look of Leeds, the prospect of playing Champions League football with Spurs will be much more appealing than a relegation battle.

Leeds could find themselves missing out on another key attacking target.

James Maddison injury might impact Manor Solomon’s future

Another way Maddison’s injury might impact Leeds surrounds the fate of Manor Solomon, who shone on loan at Elland Road last season.

Solomon was crucial in clinching the title and Leeds were desperate to bring him back in a permanent move.

However, Solomon instead wanted to prove his quality to incoming manager Frank and wanted a second chance to impress at Spurs.

He has been unable to so far in pre-season, as injury ruled him out of their pre-season tour in Asia, and it doesn’t look like he has a future at the club.

Frank didn’t mention Solomon as a possible Son replacement recently and there has been revived hope that Leeds could sign him.

However, Spurs may be hesitant to let a forward option leave after suffering such a big injury blow.

Igor Paixao is not yet a Leeds United player, even if the club are making progress towards a deal.

Ambitious ‘reach’ signings have been detailed by Graham Smyth previously in the transfer window, but Leeds United have been able to secure top targets like Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, and Lucas Perri already.

Leeds have made great progress on Paixao in recent days, but Smyth claims the Paixao deal is the ‘hardest’ of Leeds’ window thus far, which is why they cannot count their chickens just yet.

Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers while this process for Paixao has been ongoing. Leeds’ confidence is growing, though, with a £28 million plus add-ons bid made for Paixao.

Dilane Bakwa is an excellent alternative for Leeds to Paixao

The 25-year-old Brazilian is a potentially “transformational” signing for Leeds and Daniel Farke, given Paixao’s form has been outstanding with Feyenoord in recent years.

Leeds supporters won’t want to hear the term ‘hijack’ but it’s fair to say they have been here before when a deal was edging towards being finalised. For a player of Paixao’s talents, there is an increased chance of that happening.

Therefore, one alternative for Leeds could be RC Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa. The Athletic’s Beren Cross revealed he is someone they have their eye on already. Bakwa was linked alongside Bilal El Khannouss.

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He wrote that he “is another wide option Leeds have explored. He is not being pursued at the moment, but could be someone they turn to.”

He could be a better option than Paixao in one sense. Bakwa isn’t as explosive and won’t get as many goal involvements as the Brazilian, but he could rebalance the Leeds attack if they were to sign him.

That’s because Willy Gnonto and Largie Ramazani are both better-suited to playing at angles from the left flank, much like Paixao is. Signing the Feyenoord winger would mean Dan James is the club’s only out-and-out right winger.

Paixao may well be a more rounded attacking threat than Gnonto and Ramazani, but Bakwa is a 5’11” right winger who is left-footed. Leeds simply don’t have a left-footed player out wide.

Signing Paixao would mean Gnonto and James fight for minutes down Leeds’ right, but the addition of Bakwa actually makes more sense.

His career goals and assists so far are not out of this world in the same way Paixao’s have been of late, but the 22-year-old still ticks many of the boxes Leeds need in and out of possession from their wingers next term.

West Ham, Spurs, and Chelsea all have Bakwa interest

A retooling of the attack is underway, and Bakwa’s potential is enormous. He is a slightly more creative outlet than Paixao, as shown from his goal and assist numbers.

Talk surrounding a move elsewhere has since gone quiet now, but TBR Football have previously reported on interest in his services from West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea as well.

It’s said that Chelsea, in particular, have been hugely impressed with him. Although Sky Sports Switzerland have also stated he could cost around £26 million. That was back in April and his stock has risen since.

Leeds have the money for either, but Bakwa is a solid contingency plan for Paixao should the Brazilian not make the move to West Yorkshire. If anything, he could be a more idealistic profile fit for Leeds’ current lineup.

Both have the speed and decisiveness in transition which Leeds and Farke are looking for, most crucially.

A bit of a surprising move, but Tottenham Hotspur have completed the signing of one of the 10 young players released by Leeds United earlier this summer.

The retained list on May 17 confirmed that Josuha Guilavogui would leave the club on a free transfer, as well as 10 young players, when their contracts came to an end on June 30. One has now joined Spurs.

That list of 10 players included goalkeeper Harry Christy, Ireland U19 international Cian Coleman, striker Luca Thomas and Amari Miller, who cost a substantial fee to sign from Birmingham City under Victor Orta.

Another was playmaker Max McFadden, who had spent three years at Elland Road after a move from Colchester United in 2022. McFadden had spent time in West Ham’s academy before joining Colchester.

Tottenham announce signing of Max McFadden from Leeds

In a move that bolsters Tottenham’s U21 side going into the 2025-26 season, Spurs have confirmed that McFadden has penned a two-year contract with Thomas Frank’s side – though a senior debut is unlikely.

McFadden joins Spurs with the hope that he can catch the eye of other clubs over the course of the next two years. The link between Leeds and Spurs is strengthened, even if McFadden had been released.

The 19-year-old posted on Instagram after it had been confirmed this weekend that he would be moving back to London, after three years in Yorkshire. He underlined his delight at a move to North London.

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The Gray brothers react as McFadden completes Tottenham move

The same age as Archie, and three years Harry’s senior, McFadden follows the former in completing a move from Leeds to Tottenham. It sees the playmaker team up with Archie, even if he is in the U21 side.

According to TransferMarkt, McFadden shared the pitch six times with Harry Gray and will now be aiming to do so with Archie at Spurs. Both Gray brothers commented on McFadden’s post after his Spurs move.

Adam Underwood’s task this summer is not simply to bring an influx of new signings to Leeds United, but it is also to keep some of the gems that currently reside at Elland Road.

So far, Underwood and Robbie Evans have collaborated with Daniel Farke and The 49ers to secure three summer signings. A total of £20m has been spent on Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha.

There is plenty more work to do in the transfer window, with Leeds still expected to target a goalkeeper, a left-back, a midfielder, a replacement for Manor Solomon, a no.10, and a starting striker above Nmecha.

However, there is also work to do when it comes to the current squad and certain players need contracts. Reports say Dan James has agreed a long-term deal, while another announcement has been confirmed.

Leeds United announce scholarship for wonderkid Harry Gray

Harry Gray made his debut for Leeds last season, a substitute in the massive 6-0 win over Stoke City at Elland Road. Despite being just 16, Gray was front and centre during the promotion party afterwards.

Whether it was a scarf wrapped round his head, starting songs with fans outside Elland Road or teasing Harry Maguire after the Europa League final on Instagram, Gray is clearly a player with a huge character.

There are big things expected of Gray, not least because he is the fifth of his family to play for Leeds. Now Leeds have announced that Gray – and 14 other youngsters – have penned two-year scholarships.

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Leeds announcement timely with Tottenham eyeing Harry Gray

Having signed Archie Gray from Leeds last summer to the tune of £40m – of which, £10m was spent on signing Joe Rodon permanently – Tottenham are also interested in his younger brother Harry at Leeds.

Leeds’ announcement, which secures the immediate future of Harry, is perfect timing ahead of what could have been a worrying summer regarding the future of one of the next talents off the conveyor belt.

Whether Gray gets any first-team football this season remains to be seen, but he will certainly solidify his place in the U21 set-up under Scott Gardner. A few cup appearances may come his way next season.

One of the more surprising names linked with a move to Leeds United has come out of Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks, aside from the pursuit of keeping Manor Solomon.

Leeds and Spurs have developed somewhat of a connection over the last few years. It started when Gretar Steinsson swapped the North London club to win himself a bigger role in the transfer team at Leeds.

It saw Leeds conduct deals for both Joe Rodon and Djed Spence in the summer of 2023, both players joining the club on loan from Tottenham. Rodon then signed permanently from Spurs for a £10m fee.

Archie Gray went the other way, leaving for a total of £40m. Then, Solomon joined on loan for a season-long loan, and could still sign for the club permanently. But there’s another Spurs star on the Leeds radar.

Tottenham set demands for Yves Bissouma as Leeds eye move

Bissouma starred for Spurs in the Europa League final win over Man United and yet, the Mali skipper’s future at Spurs is in doubt. The former Brighton ace, however, has entered the final year of his contract.

Leeds have been deemed as ‘one to watch’ in pursuit of Bissouma, which would be a surprising move given the calibre of the midfielder. Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce are also being strongly linked with a deal.

Now, The Sun deliver an update. They say Spurs are willing to loan Bissouma out but only if there is an obligation worth £15m in a deal. Easily affordable for Leeds, who are about to pay similar on Jaka Bijol.

Leeds desperately need Premier League experience in midfield

Not only have Leeds lost both Josuha Guilavogui and Joe Rothwell as options in the middle of the park compared to last season, but The Whites are left with three options that lack Premier League experience.

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Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev have never played in the Premier League, while Ethan Ampadu only has played 26 times in the top tier, little over 2000 minutes. Leeds need a midfielder who knows what it is all about.

Bissouma is certainly that kind of player. Whether Spurs would allow him to join a Premier League rival and perhaps more up for debate, whether Bissouma would entertain a move to Leeds, remains unclear.

There have been conflicting reports surrounding the future of Manor Solomon with the Leeds United star returning to Tottenham Hotspur after his season-long loan at Elland Road.

Having scored the goal that secured the Championship title in injury time at Plymouth – his 23rd goal or assist for Leeds during 2024-25 – many expected Leeds to be pulling out all the stops to sign Solomon.

Solomon hinted on a number of occasions throughout the 2024-25 campaign and then immediately after his goal that a move could be worked out. Tottenham are said to want between £15m and £20m for him.

But since then, reports have suggested that Solomon wants a second chance at Tottenham and with Spurs sacking Ange Postecoglou, a new manager – likely to be Thomas Frank – may want to take a look at him.

Manor Solomon drops Leeds United hint on Instagram

Solomon is currently in Israel, even though he did not actually play for his country on Tuesday night in a friendly against Slovakia – which Israel won 1-0. It was confirmed last week that Solomon would not play.

With his season now over after international duty is done, Solomon is likely to be enjoying some down time with family and friends before pre-season starts again. But which club will he start pre-season with?

Well, his post on his Instagram story might come as a bit of a hint. Posing alongside some real estate and public investment partners, Solomon uploaded a picture of himself and those with his no.14 Leeds shirt.

Have Leeds looked at any alternatives to Manor Solomon yet?

In terms of the players Leeds seem to want to sign, none of them are natural left-wingers. The closest that comes to it is Mario Stroeykens, but he is a no.10 and is seen as a Brenden Aaronson replacement.

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The likes of Emi Buendia, Finn Azaz, Daizen Maeda and other attackers loosely linked with a move to Leeds could do a job on the left. But if Leeds think they need to replace Solomon, they aren’t doing it.

A left-sided centre-back is a priority this summer and even better, one that can provide cover as a left-back will be viewed as an important signing if Leeds United can identify such a player.

Pascal Struijk’s injury record over the last couple of seasons has seen Ethan Ampadu often have to fill in. Leeds won’t be able to afford losing Ampadu’s importance in midfield when in the Premier League.

Leeds then, need a centre-back and with Joe Rodon starting on the right of a two-man central defence, bringing in a left-footed centre-back is key. Especially, with Max Wober expected to leave Leeds soon.

At left-back, Leeds also require investment. Junior Firpo looks set to leave with Lyon making an offer and Firpo’s agents in talks with Milan. Bringing in a player that can do both would really help Leeds and Farke.

Tottenham announce Ben Davies extension – but he could still join

Leeds have been strongly linked with Wales skipper Ben Davies ever since Farke got the Leeds job. Not least because The Whites boast five current Wales players including Joe Rodon, Karl Darlow and Ampadu.

Last week, Ben Jacobs said Leeds could make another move for Davies and suggested that even if Spurs trigger the extension in his contract to keep him until 2025 – it means clubs will now have to pay a fee.

Leeds could still move for Davies this summer, then. Now he will cost some cash, rather than being able to sign him for free after Tottenham confirmed on Sunday that Davies’ extension had been triggered.

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Ben Davies praises Joe Rodon after landmark Wales moment

If Davies was to join, then he would fit in immediately. Not least, because Farke has five Wales players at his disposal as aforementioned – with Dan James and Charlie Crew missing for Wales on Saturday.

On Saturday, Wales eased to a 3-0 home win over minnows Liechtenstein as Rodon opened his account with a superb header from a Sorba Thomas corner. Davies praised Rodon on his Instagram story.

Over the next few days, Rodon and the rest of the Leeds’ Welsh contingent will be hoping they can convince Davies to swap Spurs for Yorkshire, even if the extension in his contract has now been triggered.