Leeds United are expected to pursue another striker during the summer 2026 transfer window, according to club legend Tony Dorigo. The former defender has cautioned the Whites against complacency after securing Premier League survival under Daniel Farke, emphasizing that top clubs must continuously strengthen their squads to compete.
Dorigo told GOAL that while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha have impressed since joining on free transfers, the club cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Calvert-Lewin has netted 13 goals this season and earned an England recall after overcoming recent injury troubles, while Nmecha has provided dependable backup. However, the absence of key attacking options exposes a vulnerability that relegation-contending sides cannot tolerate in the Premier League.
Why Leeds Need Striker Depth
"I think Leeds now are at the stage where you've got to just keep improving. There's no point standing still," Dorigo explained. Elite teams maintain competition for places across every position, and Leeds United currently lack a proven third-choice forward. Joel Piroe featured sporadically this term, and the club's failed January pursuit of Jorgen Strand Larsen demonstrated their ambition to bolster the number nine role.
The statistics support this assessment. Newcastle are the only Premier League side outside the top nine for European qualification to outscore Leeds this season—a telling indicator that the Whites have solid attacking foundations but must deepen their options. Farke's defensive discipline has kept the team clear of relegation danger with three games to spare, but additional firepower will be essential for a genuine top-flight push in 2026-27.
The Transfer Strategy Ahead
The 2026 World Cup will provide a global marketplace for recruitment, allowing Leeds to scout talent across multiple leagues. With Premier League revenue now secured for next season, the purse strings should loosen compared to the post-Championship approach of nurturing free agents. Dorigo suggested that every position will be evaluated, but the striker position demands immediate attention. Leeds must have a new reliable forward ready to lead the line when the 2026-27 campaign begins in August.
