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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Thu 28 May 2026 17:30, UK

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Leeds United are lining up a move for Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann as part of a busy summer of transfer business, sources have told Football Insider.

The Whites are “exploring” the possibility of a deal for the 24-year-old ahead of next season, although Lyon are reluctant to lose him at this stage.

The former FC Dallas star is well-known to the 49ers after his development in the MLS, and sources have indicated that they could hold the key to a deal to bring him to Elland Road this summer.

Lyon are keen to do “everything they can” to keep hold of Tessmann for another season at least, but Leeds are hoping that they can lure him with Premier League football.

Leeds are planning a big summer in the market to further consolidate their spot in the top-flight next term, and Tessmann has already been outlined as one of their main targets.

Leeds see time pressure removed for £21.6m Tanner Tessmann swoop

Tessmann’s impressive form for Lyon this season in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League had seen him in strong contention to make it into the USA’s squad for this summer’s World Cup on home soil.

That had left Leeds keen to get a deal in place for the midfielder before the tournament got underway in recent weeks, but they have now had the time pressure removed from their pursuit.

USA boss Mauricio Pochettino has left Tessmann out of his squad in a surprise move ahead of the World Cup, leaving Leeds with the entire summer to focus on potentially getting a deal done for him.

The Athletic recently reported that the Lyon man is on the radar of a number of clubs across Europe, with several sides in Italy matching the interest that has built up from Leeds.

It is understood that it may take a bid of around £21.6million in order to tempt the French giants into doing business this summer, given their desire to keep hold of the player if possible.

Tessmann has already won plenty of admirers behind the scenes at Elland Road, and he could yet form a key part of Daniel Farke’s midfield in 2026-27.

Daniel Farke facing ‘sleepless nights’ over contract situation

Former Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Leeds are “unhappy” with Karl Darlow, and are signalling that a new goalkeeper will be targeted this summer.

The Scottish businessman suggested that there is a feeling behind the scenes that the Welshman didn’t do enough to nail down the number one spot for next season, as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract.

Wyness pointed out that Farke will be facing “sleepless nights” over the situation and added that there are still major “question marks” regarding Darlow’s future in the team.

Darlow took over from Lucas Perri as the starting ‘keeper back in January, and while he did enough to help Leeds secure their survival, he is not seen as a long-term option between the posts.