Daniel Farke looking focused on the sidelines, with Douglas Luiz in a circular inset

Douglas Luiz has been linked with a move to Leeds UnitedImago

Leeds turn attention to signing young midfielder amid Douglas Luiz update

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Published on:

12 Jun 2026, 2:07 pm

Daniel Farke is prioritising the addition of younger players to improve his Leeds United squad during the summer transfer window.

After securing survival in the Premier League, the boss has set his sights on some major improvements, with the addition of a new midfielder ranking highly on his list.

Leeds have already been linked with a number of big-name stars to add to their squad, including Juventus star Douglas Luiz, but he does not fit the profile they are looking for.

Instead, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Farke is eyeing a number of young midfielders who can develop into star players.

The squad available at Elland Road has plenty of experience, and ranked as the fifth-oldest squad in the Premier League during the 2025-26 season.

However, having achieved their goals of remaining in the top flight, their focus will now switch towards the future and that is set to reflect in their transfer business.

Why have Leeds opted against signing Douglas Luiz?

Former Man United cheif scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 2 June that Leeds are unlikely to pursue a move for Luiz amid concerns about his recent performances.

Two failed loan spells at Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa put the nail in the coffin of any potential move, while Farke's new priority has ruled out any suggestions.

The boss plans to refresh his squad with some younger faces while improving on his current options ahead of what is likely to be a busy transfer window.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I would be very surprised if Leeds were to rekindle their interest in Douglas Luiz.

"He doesn't fit the profile of player Leeds are going to be after at 28 years old, they're going to be prioritising bringing younger players in at Elland Road.

"I don't see Leeds being a landing spot for Douglas Luiz right now. I think they've moved on from him.

"I think their new plan under Daniel Farke is to bring in younger players as well to improve the squad. And I'm sure they'll be looking at other midfield targets rather than Douglas Luiz."

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Which young midfielders are on Leeds' radar?

After backing away from their interest in Luiz, Leeds have sit their sights on a number of alternatives, with mutliple younger midfielders on their radar who better fit their aims.

The recruitment team at Elland Road have been assessing players both domestically and across Europe to bolster in the middle of the park.

Football Insider revaled last month that Leeds are interested in signing Shea Charles after keeping a close eye on his performances for Southampton this season.

The 22-year-old would be the perfect fit for Farke's new transfer priority, and has plenty of senior and international experience despite his age.

After Southampton and Charles were denied promotion to the Premier League after the spygate scandal, Leeds could look to capitalise and lure him away.

Daniel Farke