Leeds have made the £17m star their top target

Daniel Farke’s work at Leeds United this season cannot be underestimated, as the German secures the club another season in the Premier League.

Many pundits across the country were predicting that the Whites would bounce back quickly, but the manager’s ability to get the best out of his team at Elland Road.

He was only handed a £90m fee to make the additions he wanted last summer, again highlighting his impressive performance for Yorkshire this season.

However, the manager spoke at a recent press conference before the game, saying he wanted the leadership’s leadership to help the team move to the next level.

The upcoming transfer window presents the 49ers with the perfect opportunity to give Farke the tools he needs to build their club’s Premier League survival.

Leeds have made the £17m star their summer transfer target

A few weeks ago, Leeds were one of the few clubs in the race to sign Juventus striker Lois Openda when the transfer window opened.

The Belgian struggled in the 2025/26 season in Serie A, only managing to find the net once in Italy’s top flight so far.

However, the Whites are still keen to sign the 26-year-old in the off-season, with newly promoted Coventry City also said to be interested.

Openda is not the only attack-minded player currently being targeted this summer, with Burnley star Zian Flemming another mooted target.

According to Football Insider, Farke’s side have made the Dutch star their transfer target this summer after the Clarets were relegated to the Championship.

The report also claims the board are keeping an eye on the 27-year-old after doubting whether he is a star player for Scott Parker in the 2025/26 campaign.

It was previously claimed that around £17m would be required to sign the striker – a potential deal.

Why Flemming would be a huge upgrade on Openda & Okafor

As part of last summer’s spending spree after promotion, Leeds secured the £18m signing of Swiss international striker Noah Okafor from Italian side Napoli.

The 25-year-old has endured an injury-hindered campaign, but when he appears at Elland Road, he often gives fans plenty of memories to remember.

He currently sits on eight league goals from his 28 appearances so far, with the double against Manchester United at Old Trafford arguably his best contribution.

His versatility in being able to play out wide or as a center forward has given Farke the opportunity to use different systems in their bid to secure survival.

The £18m spent on Okafor last summer now looks very good business, but he may find minutes hard to come by, if Flemming moves to Yorkshire.

The Dutch talisman could be the best addition the Premier League has proven to the Whites, something that cannot be said about the transfer of players, Openda.

His tally of 10 goals this season is higher than Juventus star and first team member Okafor – which also shows his quality in the final third of the pitch.

Flemming, dubbed “amazing” by interim Burnley manager Michael Jackson, has also registered a 39% on-target accuracy rate – also higher than the aforementioned duo.

His biggest asset is his aerial ability, with the 27-year-old averaging 3.3 aerials per 90 – something that makes him a perfect fit for Farke’s current system.

His next stats are higher than Okafor and Openda, which would make him an ideal addition to fight Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the starting position.

Flemming’s threat in offensive areas is also highlighted by his 1.4 foul count per 90, with opponents often fouling him to prevent the striker from finding the net.

£17m for a player of his caliber could be the best deal for Leeds this summer as they look to move up the Premier League table and build on their recent survival.

His physicality and clinical form are an excellent combination for the Whites, with such ability making him a major asset for Farke ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Openda could be the fans’ first choice this summer, but it seems the management are opting for the most proven option in England’s top flight to help the German take the club to the next level.