Leeds United target deal to sign Bournemouth defender admired by Daniel Farke
Daniel Farke could raid the Vitality Stadium as Leeds United continue to strengthen their squad for the Premier League campaign.
Bournemouth have lost several key players over the last few weeks, including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, and, most recently, Dango Ouattara, who has joined Brentford this week.
The Whites have also done their fair share of spending this summer, signing Noah Okafor from AC Milan on Thursday, 21 August, joining Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Lucas Perri, and Anton Stach, to name just a few.
However, there are still obvious weaknesses in the squad, especially after Ethan Ampadu’s brutal injury blow against Everton, and Leeds are attempting to make a deal with the Cherries to address one of them.
Jayden Bogle, who arrived at Elland Road from Sheffield United last summer, remains the club’s only natural right-back, but that could be fixed with the signing of 23-year-old James Hill.
The full-back, who can also deputise in the centre of defence, has struggled for game time at the Vitality Stadium and is now being given an opportunity for more minutes on the pitch.
Leeds United target Bournemouth’s James Hill
Taking to X (21 August), Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam wrote: “Leeds United are interested in Bournemouth defender James Hill. Hill has just one year left on his current deal & is admired by Daniel Farke.
“The 23-year-old plays predominantly as a centre-back but can also cover at right-back. Leeds are looking to sign a full-back,” as Bogle is the only natural option on the right flank.
Andoni Iraola likely to sanction another departure
Football Insider verdict
While Iraola has been frustrated by a number of key exits, the Cherries still managed to keep Antoine Semenyo, which is a huge accomplishment, given how important he is in the final third.
However, Hill is unlikely to play a big role at the Vitality Stadium next season, already proven by the manager’s decision to only bring him on for a single minute against Liverpool in the 4-2 loss.
The 23-year-old’s main experience came during his six-month loan at Blackburn Rovers during 2023/24, where he made 20 appearances before returning to Bournemouth.
Leeds could certainly take advantage of the situation and agree a cheap deal for the defender, given that he only has one year remaining on his current deal.
While he is unlikely to have a starring role at Elland Road, he would learn a lot from Bogle, who rarely completes a full 90 minutes due to his constant runs up and down the right flank.