The Leeds United hierarchy signed 10 players this summer, but a number of players were linked and never signed who are now impressing elsewhere.
Leeds United needed signings all over the pitch but a centre-forward had to be high on the agenda for Daniel Farke and the 49ers. They signed two in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha.
Joel Piroe had no Premier League experience while Mateo Joseph was the same and not yet ready for top flight football in the eyes of many. Patrick Bamford’s injuries were also a huge issue for them, too.
Even if the issue was addressed, there were numerous players linked. One of them has started the season incredibly well, despite Leeds’ enquiries to bring him in as one of the new strikers this summer.
Photo by JOHAN EYCKENS/BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty ImagesLeeds summer target Promise David scores Union Saint-Gilloise’s first-ever Champions League goal
It was reported back in May that Leeds were interested in signing striker Promise David from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise this summer. Nothing materialised for the Canadian who has been immense for USG since.
After a long decline that saw the club fall as low as the fourth tier, USG experienced a resurgence in the 2020s following a takeover by British businessman Tony Bloom. If that name appears familiar, it’s because he is also chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion.
The initial report stated LOSC Lille intend to replace Jonathan David and both they and Leeds were keen on Promise David. They were said to be demanding at least €20 million (£17 million) to part ways with the talented 24-year-old centre-forward.
The USG talent conveyor belt has churned out plenty of fantastic strikers in recent years. However, they have held onto this one. Not only that but David’s USG side are in the Champions League after winning the league title in Belgium last season.
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The scorer of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s first-ever goal in the UEFA Champions League is Promise David, a Canadian-Nigerian striker signed from Estonia that played in Canada, Croatia, USA and Malta.
He embodies the process that has got them back to the pinnacle of Europe. pic.twitter.com/G6QZmqHnKb
— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) September 16, 2025
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He and USG have the Scouted Football seal of approval. He also became the first-ever scorer in the UEFA Champions League last night.
They wrote: “A Canadian-Nigerian striker signed from Estonia that played in Canada, Croatia, USA, and Malta. He embodies the process that has got them back to the pinnacle of Europe.”
They won 3-1 in Eindhoven against Dutch giants PSV. Mark van Bommel’s son was on the scoresheet for the home side and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister’s brother for the away side late on.
It was a famous win and David’s stock continues to rise, which is why there has been other interest in his services.
Photo by TOM GOYVAERTS/Belga/AFP via Getty ImagesPromise David’s other interest after goalscoring exploits
David has been involved in plenty of goals this season, after scoring 30 in 42 games in Estonia. At 6’5, he also has the physical attributes which are well-suited to Premier League football in terms of what teams are looking for.
Promise David’s 2024/25 & 2025/26 stats for USG (all comps)
Jesse Marsch said, after calling David up for Canada: “We’ve talked a lot about his progress. He’s excited about joining the National Team. Both of these are big talents [Daniel Jebbison and David]. They fit the way we play.”
Speaking of those connected to Red Bull, Paris FC have also registered David interest. Leeds went for more top flight experience, but David is evidently a player to keep an eye on over the coming seasons.