Leeds are planning to make a number of signings this summer in order to prepare for their return to the Premier League next season, and defence is one area that will be heavily focused upon.
Specifically, a new right-back is on the agenda for Leeds. Jayden Bogle was their starter in the position in the Championship, but given that he struggled in the Premier League with Sheffield United during the 2023-24 season, there is a desire to bring in competition for the position.
And the club’s sporting department have been looking in Germany for the player that they want to sign.
Leeds set sights on Mainz defender Anthony Caci
As reported by Foot Mercato (via MOTLeedsNews), Leeds have set their sights on a summer move for Anthony Caci. The 27-year-old defender, who can also operate as a right midfielder, is highly-rated in Germany, where he has established himself as an attacking full-back.
Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on Caci, which would make things very difficult for Leeds. But they would be able to offer a more prominent squad role, and this could be a telling advantage.
Last season, Caci provided seven assists for an impressive Mainz side that finished sixth in the Bundesliga – thus, qualifying for the UEFA Conference League in the process. It will be even more tricky for him to be tempted to a club like Leeds that do not have European football in 2025-26, but they are determined to give it their best shot.
It is set to be a very busy summer for Leeds. As well as Caci, they have set their sights on a number of targets in recent weeks – and this includes former player Kalvin Phillips, who will almost certainly leave Man City.
let’s hope there isn’t no panic buying although the club are taking their time deffo need Johnson in goal a steal at 8mill need some tall defenders too to boss at corners so if Caci any foodifn him get Coufal in too on a free
Phillips is not wanted.
it’s early days in the transfer market but I thought Leeds would have had a host of targets lined up and offers in as soon as the window opened. I was expecting at least one early signing. Do Leeds have a strategy?
yes they do, its called be interested in everybody, but keep the money and buy none
yes he is!
Leeds need to be pushing things, taking too long. At this rate we will be left with all the “has beens” which means we will definitely be back in the championship in 2026/7!
Leeds cannot make any big signings until July 1st due to PSR restrictions because the year for accounting ends June 30th hens why players contracts run out on this date. We will only be looking to bring in free agents or minimal priced signings before July then. Will probably still be talking to players & agents but hoping to secure an agreement in principle to be announced on or after 1st July. It may mean we miss out on some important signings but we have to be careful. Regarding Phillips, he would have to realise Leeds cannot pay him anywhere near the £150K per week he gets now, 50K max, but I do think his heart is still in Leeds and would give his all for the club he loves so much. If a fee in region of £10million was offered then he would be a good asset but any more then I would say it was a risky investment due to his current injury situation.
Why cant the recruitment team keep their targets under their hats? It always seems that as soon as we are interested in a player, then West Ham, Everton, Brentford etc are chasing the same player. Can’t they do the negotiating/investigating in a more covert way? So frustrating when we keep getting done over by other clubs.
Man some people are thick. Do people genuinely think all of these rumours are true and that being linked to a player bears any relation to Leeds having a genuine interest in them? Players, agents, other clubs and journalists have been stirring up these stories for decades. Every club has exactly the same number of linked players. The fact these player rumours haven’t translated into signings has literally zero meaning. The same thing happens every year yet people continue to get upset about it. Slightly weird..