After getting off to a solid start in the Premier League, newly-promoted Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on signing a Championship star for Daniel Farke.
Where Leeds should prioritise in 2026
Whilst it has been a solid start, there’s still plenty of work for Leeds to do if they want to maintain their Premier League status at the first time of asking, and the January transfer window will play a major part in that.
Having missed out on a number of top targets in the summer, the Whites would be wise to make up for lost time and add the finishing touches to Farke’s squad when the winter window opens.
Who arrives, if any, will be the big question.
Reports have namedropped the likes of Jens Petter Hauge in the last week, and there’s no doubt that the Bodo/Glimt winger would be an interesting addition.
Revealing the news, transfer reporter Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News that those at Elland Road have set their sights on signing the 20-year-old.
“One name they like is Jens Petter Hauge,” said Bailey.
“He’s on the radar. He’s one who Leeds have had a look at, because the Red Bulls have looked at him.”
If any reinforcements are to arrive, then it’s likely Farke’s attack receives a much-needed boost.
The German made his desire for attacking talent no secret in the summer, but watched on as Leeds failed to get his top targets over the line.
Although Leeds will not be expected to break their transfer record in January, they should look to add some decisive arrivals in pursuit of safety, before splashing the cash in the summer.
By securing their Premier League place for a second-consecutive campaign, they’d put themselves in a strong position to finally welcome an attacking midfielder that they’ve been chasing.
Leeds now eyeing 2026 Gustavo Hamer move
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Leeds are eyeing a summer move to sign Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United, with a January deal unlikely as things stand.
“I think they’ll definitely always be interested in someone like Gustavo Hamer. He’s a top player, one of the best players in the championship,” O’Rourke told Football Insider.
“He’s been on Leeds’ radar before. Whether Leeds would be willing to spend the big money that Sheffield United would demand for Hamer that remains to be seen.”
Having been interested in the Sheffield United star in the summer, Leeds could finally get their man one year on.
If the Blades fail to earn promotion to the top flight, then keeping hold of a player as talented as Hamer would prove to be even tougher, especially if Leeds look to take advantage of the fact that he shares an agent with Wilfried Gnonto.
Praised as “perfect” by Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder for how he handled transfer speculation in the past, it will be interesting to see just how much Hamer pushes for an exit if his side continue to struggle in the Championship and Leeds come calling again.
The 28-year-old has been a mainstay of Wilder’s midfield, starting nearly every second tier game for them so far, and he was equally imperative last season.
Hamer bagged an incredible 18 goal contributions in 44 Championship appearances in 24/25, playing a key role as the Blades only just missed out on Premier League promotion, courtesy of a play-off final loss to Sunderland at Wembley.