Leeds United could already be preparing for early business in the summer transfer window, as planning begins behind the scenes at Elland Road.
While the focus right now remains on staying in the Premier League, the Leeds United club know they cannot afford to stand still once the season ends.
The Whites were active during the January transfers, but some key targets slipped away. Leeds missed out on Jorgen Strand Larsen, and that has only increased the pressure on the club to get things right in future windows.
January is often difficult, and the real work is expected to happen during the Premier League summer transfer window.
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January transfers show Leeds intent, but summer is the real test
Daniel Farke was pleased to bring in Facundo Buonanotte on loan, a move designed to help Leeds fight relegation.
The deal showed intent, even if it was not a long-term solution. For now, the Leeds club is satisfied with the current group, but everyone knows reinforcements will be needed.
The January transfers were always about survival, not long-term building. Once safety is confirmed, Leeds will look to strengthen key areas properly.
Midfield is one position that continues to stand out, especially after Kalvin Phillips was linked with a return, but instead joined Sheffield United.
That decision only underlined the need for a fresh plan in the centre of the pitch.
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Leeds United is already scouting a future midfield leader
Reports suggest Leeds United have already begun a serious scouting mission focused on Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
The 23-year-old has impressed all season and is now being viewed as a potential captain of Leeds United in the future.
Leeds scouts are said to be following a “special protocol” to assess not only his football ability, but also his leadership and mentality.
That tells you this is more than a short-term idea. The Leeds United club wants players who can grow with the team and lead it forward.
Hackney has been a regular for Middlesbrough since 2022 and is now adding goals and assists to his game. He recently scored a winning goal that kept his side right in the promotion race.
Performances like that have caught the attention of more than one Premier League club, but Leeds appear keen to move early.
Possible £35m move could break records
Middlesbrough is believed to value Hackney between £30m and £35m. If Leeds decide to push ahead, it could become a Premier League record sale for Boro and one of the biggest deals in Leeds’ recent history.
Such a fee would be a major statement. It would show Leeds are serious about rebuilding and ready to back Farke in the Premier League summer transfer window.
It would also mark a clear shift away from short-term fixes towards players who can form the spine of the team.
This would not be a rushed move. Leeds are expected to keep watching Hackney for the rest of the season before making a final call. If the Whites stay up, the chances of a Premier League signing increase sharply.
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Why Hackney fits Leeds United’s long-term plan
Leeds have lacked control and leadership in midfield at times this season. Hackney’s style fits what the club needs, energy, passing quality, and a calm head under pressure.
Many inside Elland Road believe he could develop into a captain of Leeds United with the right guidance.
Importantly, this would not be one of those risky done-deal transfers made in panic. It would be a carefully planned move, built over months of scouting and data work.
If the deal happens, it would be a clear sign that Leeds want to grow again as a stable Premier League club, not just survive season to season.
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Summer plans already taking shape at Elland Road
Nothing has been agreed yet, and Leeds will not rush while the season is still ongoing. But the signs are clear.
The Leeds United club are already thinking ahead, lining up targets, and preparing bids for the summer transfer window.
Fans may have felt frustration during the January transfers, but patience could be rewarded. If Leeds manage to stay up and then Leeds sign a player like Hackney, it would send a strong message.
This could be the type of Leeds United sign that shapes the club for years, not just months.
The work has started, now it’s about getting it right when the window opens.
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