Leeds United
Leeds weigh move for Fotis Ioannidis as they chase another striker
Leeds target Fotis Ioannidis to bolster attack after Calvert-Lewin medical and summer signing ahead.
Leeds United have identified Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis as a potential target as they look to add attacking options this summer. The interest comes while the club prepares to finalise Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s arrival; they are set to announce the signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he had a medical on Wednesday.
With Daniel Farke preparing for life back in the Premier League, Leeds want further reinforcement up front. Ioannidis, 25, has been linked with moves to the Premier League in recent transfer windows and could be open to a switch if Leeds firm up their interest with a bid.
The forward has been prominent in the Super League Greece, with 34 goals to his name over the last two campaigns. That record is a clear factor behind Leeds’ assessment of his suitability for the top level, and his style of play is described in the club’s scouting as a good fit for the Premier League.
Other clubs have shown interest in Ioannidis previously. Ipswich Town wanted the ‘dangerous ‘ Panathinaikos star last summer, and West Ham United were reportedly linked with him during the winter transfer window. Leicester City also wanted him a year ago.
Leeds are exploring alternatives as well. AC Milan attacker Noah Okafor is also under consideration, while Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon reportedly wants to return to Leeds after a successful loan spell.
The recruitment drive reflects urgency. Farke needs all the attacking firepower he can get in his bid to keep the Whites up given his underwhelming managerial record in the top-flight. Leeds need to hit the ground running when they kick off the 2025-26 Premier League campaign at home against Everton on Monday.
Leeds United
Leeds complete signing of James Justin on four-year deal from Leicester
Leeds sign James Justin from Leicester on a four-year deal; fee reported at £8m plus £2m add-ons now
Leeds have finalised the acquisition of defender James Justin from Leicester. The 27-year-old full-back has signed a four-year contract at Elland Road after coming through the ranks at his local club and joining Leicester in 2019.
The structure of the transfer was reported as £8million upfront, with a further £2m in add-ons. Justin is the club’s 10th signing of the summer window as Daniel Farke’s men prepare to remain in the top flight following their Sky Bet Championship title last season.
On joining, Justin said: “Obviously to join a club of this size and to have the history it has had, and being back in the Premier League was a massive thing for me, so I’m over the moon to have joined,” James told the club’s official website.
He added: “Everyone that I’ve spoken to about the club and the area has had great things to say about it. So I’m excited to join the lads and get to work.
“The stadium has obviously got one of the best atmospheres in world football.
“And it’s always a daunting task to come here as an opposing team, but I’m happy to have the fans behind me this time.”
Justin brings experience at club and international level, having won one England cap against Hungary in June 2022. His arrival strengthens Leeds’ options at full-back as the squad prepares for the challenges of the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal
Timber brace and Gyokeres double send Arsenal top after 5-0 win; Dowman debuts
Timber’s brace and Gyokeres double helped Arsenal beat Leeds 5-0; teenage Dowman made debut at home.
Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League table after a 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta’s side secured their second win in as many games, but the match began with Arsenal finding it difficult to break down an organised Leeds team.
The breakthrough arrived on 34 minutes when Jurrien Timber nodded in from Declan Rice’s corner delivery. With the deadlock broken Arsenal grew in confidence and extended their advantage before half-time. A neat move finished with Timber releasing Bukayo Saka, who thundered a right-foot finish high past Lucas Perri.
Three minutes after the restart Viktor Gyokeres scored his first goal for the Gunners, driving into the box and drilling in a low finish. A fourth arrived before the hour when Timber netted his second; the Dutch defender had scored just once previously in the Premier League before Saturday.
Arteta made changes in the closing stages, including a debut for 15-year-old Max Dowman. The teenager became the second-youngest Premier League player of all time and only the third u-16 to play in the division. Dowman registered two efforts on goal and then won a late penalty after a foul from Anton Stach. Gyokeres blasted in his second from the spot.
The afternoon was otherwise positive for Arsenal, who also had new signing Eberechi Eze presented to the home crowd. The only blemishes were injuries that forced Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka off; the club will hope both issues are not serious. Arsenal now prepare to travel to face Premier League champions Liverpool at Anfield next weekend.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Approach for Bilal El Khannouss Puts Leeds Under Pressure
Palace approach for Bilal El Khannouss threatens Leeds’ pursuit as Premier League interest grows now
Leeds United face growing competition for Bilal El Khannouss after Crystal Palace made an approach to Leicester City, according to David Ornstein. The Whites have strengthened their engine room and backline during the transfer window but have struggled to add creative and attacking players, with some targets reportedly sceptical about joining a newly promoted Premier League side because of recent seasons’ outcomes.
Leeds have signed Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin for their frontline, but both players were free agents and carry a poor injury record. The club identified a creative attacking midfielder as a priority and relegated Leicester’s El Khannouss emerged as a top target, with the club holding talks with his camp.
Newcastle United contacted the player’s entourage to explore a deal, but have not taken concrete steps. Crystal Palace, who could lose their talismanic attacking midfield star Eberechi Eze as he pushes to join Tottenham Hotspur, are searching for a replacement and have already made an approach to the Foxes for the 21-year-old. That move places Leeds in real danger of missing out on another target.
El Khannouss has multiple suitors in the Premier League, but there is no guarantee he will leave Leicester City. He has started the season well, registering two assists in Leicester’s 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday. He has been clear though that he does not want to be playing his football in the Championship this season.
Morocco will host the Africa Cup of Nations at the end of the year and El Khannouss will want to arrive there having played at Premier League level. With Crystal Palace making a push, attention will turn to whether Leeds will increase their attempts to sign the Morocco international before the window progresses.
