{"id":995919,"date":"2026-05-31T07:24:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-31T07:24:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/995919\/"},"modified":"2026-05-31T07:24:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T07:24:22","slug":"managing-leeds-as-25million-leo-scienza-move-made-and-prolific-striker-signed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/995919\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Leeds as \u00a325million Leo Scienza move made and prolific striker signed"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Daniel Farke is reportedly targeting several new signings this summer as Leeds look to strengthen the squad following Premier League survival<img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Leo Scienza of Southampton is challenged by Max Dowman and Ben White of Arsenal during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Arsenal\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Southampton-v-Arsenal-Emirates-FA-Cup-Quarter-Final.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Southampton's Leo Scienza could be precisely what Leeds United need this summer\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Southampton&#8217;s Leo Scienza could be precisely what Leeds United need this summer(Image: Mike Hewitt, Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Leeds are <a aria-label=\"bracing themselves for a hectic summer transfer windowLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.leeds-live.co.uk\/sport\/leeds-united\/leeds-summer-transfer-targets-news-34020321\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">bracing themselves for a hectic summer transfer window<\/a>, with significant activity expected both in and out of Elland Road. Daniel Farke steered the club to <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/premier-league\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Premier League<\/a> survival with time to spare, yet a failure to move swiftly in the off-season risks plunging the club into further chaos next term.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Whites are working with a tight budget this summer and have several positions crying out for reinforcement. That said, there are a handful of assets at Elland Road that could be offloaded to help unlock funds for fresh investment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">There is still just over a fortnight before the summer transfer window officially swings open, but that needn&#8217;t stop Leeds from laying the foundations right now. <strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Mirror Football<\/strong> has identified a number of potential moves that could be made in the months ahead to help ensure Farke&#8217;s next campaign is a smoother ride.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mirrorfootball\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football&#8217;s Facebook page<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Saints talisman and relegated finisher<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Given the previously switch to a three-man defence, there&#8217;s growing urgency to see Leeds target creative midfielders who can operate elsewhere. The side has leaned heavily on their wingers previously but there&#8217;s a growing belief the likes of Daniel James and Willy Gnonto could soon be considered surplus to requirements.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Instead, the club would be wise to pursue a playmaking midfielder who can also slot into those wider positions when required. In that respect, <a aria-label=\"Southampton&#039;s Leo ScienzaLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/southampton-leo-scienza-spygate-scandal-37184987\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Southampton&#8217;s Leo Scienza<\/a> could represent shrewd business for the right sum.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Scienza, 27, enjoyed a spectacular debut campaign in English football, registering seven goals and 10 assists across 37 Championship outings. Yet there&#8217;s a feeling <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/southampton-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Southampton<\/a> may be compelled to accept certain players will seek pastures new <a aria-label=\"following the Spygate scandalLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/southampton-middlesbrough-spygate-tonda-eckert-37204991\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">following the Spygate scandal<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It&#8217;s understood the Brazilian attacker arrived at Southampton for approximately \u00a38million after leaving Heidenheim last summer. There&#8217;s uncertainty surrounding whether his Southampton deal does or doesn&#8217;t contain a release clause, although reports suggest a figure in the region of \u00a325m might be sufficient to secure his signature either way.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Burnley's Zian Flemming (centre) celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at Ewood Park\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_Blackburn-Rovers-v-Burnley-Sky-Bet-Championship-Ewood-Park.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Zian Flemming was responsible for almost a third of Burnley's Premier League goals on his own\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Zian Flemming was responsible for almost a third of Burnley&#8217;s Premier League goals on his own(Image: PA)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Another striker wouldn&#8217;t hurt at Elland Road, either, and Burnley&#8217;s Zian Flemming is one who may be too talented for the Championship. Flemming&#8217;s maiden Premier League season saw him register 11 goals in 29 appearances, almost a third of Burnley&#8217;s overall haul (38).<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Flemming joined the Clarets last summer for \u00a37m after spending the previous campaign on loan at Turf Moor. He would be expected to command at least double that figure if sold today, yet would still fall comfortably within Leeds&#8217; budget.<\/p>\n<p>Defensive reinforcements<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Some of the most pressing concerns at Leeds currently lie at the back. While Farke&#8217;s side netted 49 goals, better than half the Premier League, their tally of 56 goals conceded represented the fifth-worst record in the Premier League.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The most pressing requirement in that department is a new centre-back capable of commanding a place in the first XI. Leeds currently have just three central defenders of that calibre in Joe Rodon, Jaka Bijol and Pascal Struijk, and the switch to a back three has only amplified the need for more quality depth, particularly with Sebastiaan Bornauw being linked with a departure.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Danilho Doekhi during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and 1. FC Union Berlin at Red Bull Arena. \" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0_GettyImages-2272843524.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Danilho Doekhi is going to be a desirable candidate when he leaves Union Berlin on a free transfer this summer\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Danilho Doekhi is going to be a desirable candidate when he leaves Union Berlin on a free transfer this summer(Image: Marco Steinbrenner\/DeFodi Images\/DeFodi via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The speculation surrounding Union Berlin&#8217;s Danilho Doekhi is well justified at this point, with the 27-year-old poised to become a free agent. However, reported interest from Saudi Arabia has emerged, and there is a concern that Leeds could lose ground to rival clubs the longer he weighs up his options.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Doekhi is a former Netherlands under-21 international who came through the youth systems at Ajax and Vitesse. Moreover, he demonstrated his eye for goal this season as the 6&#8217;3&#8243; defender found the net seven times across all competitions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">On the subject of free agents, Leeds would do well to monitor Rico Henry&#8217;s circumstances at Brentford, where he could yet trigger a 12-month extension. A proven Premier League performer, Henry could offer solid competition at left-back but might be beyond Leeds&#8217; reach given reported links with clubs such as <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/everton-fc\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Everton<\/a> and Bayer Leverkusen.<\/p>\n<p>Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package<\/p>\n<p>This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/affiliates\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1769649552_171_0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.<\/p>\n<p>New No. 1<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Another target with prior connections to Leeds, the club could do far worse than bringing in Shakhtar Donetsk&#8217;s Dmytro Riznyk to man the goal. What&#8217;s more, it&#8217;s believed he would cost less than half the fee paid for Lucas Perri last year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Perri, 28, became the <a aria-label=\"latest goalkeeper through Leeds&#039; revolving door of shot-stoppersLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/sport\/football\/news\/leeds-united-fa-cup-semi-37058599\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">latest goalkeeper through Leeds&#8217; revolving door of shot-stoppers<\/a> almost as quickly as he arrived, following a reported \u00a315.6m switch from Lyon. Instead, Farke opted to place his trust in <a aria-label=\"Karl DarlowLink opens in a new tab.\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/karl-darlow\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\">Karl Darlow<\/a>, who is set to depart on a free transfer alongside Illan Meslier.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">It is therefore crucial that Leeds bring in fresh competition in goal. Three-cap <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/ukraine\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Ukraine<\/a> international Riznyk ticks plenty of boxes, with his shot-stopping ability being his most attractive quality.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Riznyk broke the record for saves in a single <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mirror.co.uk\/all-about\/champions-league\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\">Champions League<\/a> fixture when he produced 15 stops against PSV in November 2024. He also fits the ideal age profile for a goalkeeper and is one of several Ukrainian stoppers making waves in recent years, joining the ranks of Real Madrid&#8217;s Andriy Lunin and Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Daniel Farke is reportedly targeting several new signings this summer as Leeds look to strengthen the squad following&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":995920,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[8814],"tags":[748,22219,1614,72048,393,14590,4884,1386,1860,24464,101,128137,9061,16,15],"class_list":["post-995919","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-leeds","tag-britain","tag-burnley-fc","tag-champions-league","tag-daniel-james","tag-england","tag-football-league-championship","tag-great-britain","tag-karl-darlow","tag-leeds","tag-leeds-united-fc","tag-premier-league","tag-shakhtar-donetsk","tag-southampton-fc","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116667998288028657","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/995919","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=995919"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/995919\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/995920"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=995919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=995919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=995919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}