Published Jul 31, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

Ethan is a feature and opinion journalist at Football FanCast.

He studied Football Journalism at the University of Derby, undertaking roles such as media assistant for Non-League side Mickleover Sports and EFL reporter for VAVEL.

Upon graduating in 2023, Ethan spent six months at GRV Media as a Premier League journalist, before joining FootballFanCast in February 2024.

Ethan is an avid Nottingham Forest supporter and season ticket holder, who also holds a keen interest in Formula One.

He covers a host of sides from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, to Leeds and clubs across the Midlands such as Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. He particularly enjoys producing analytical content.

Last summer saw a flurry of new additions to make the squad capable of competing in the Premier League and fend off the threat of an immediate return to the second tier.

Daniel Farke led the Whites to a dream first campaign back in England’s top-flight, subsequently finishing in 14th position with a clear gap to the bottom three.

However, the recruitment team have been tasked with adding top-level talent to Farke’s squad - which could see a new-look attack formed under the German’s guidance.

How Leeds' forward line could line up in 2026/27

Leeds’ first signing of the summer came in the form of attacker Harry Wilson after his departure from Fulham, with the Welsh international penning a four-year deal at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old ended the previous campaign with 10 goals and seven assists in England’s top-flight - undoubtedly possessing the quality needed to take Farke’s men to the next level.

Wilson will likely operate in one of the two number ten positions behind the striker, which could see him partner Julian Brandt in such a role at Elland Road.

The German, who’s also a free agent, has been offered a deal by the Whites after his release from Borussia Dortmund, with his agent even visiting Thorp Arch in recent weeks.

His experience playing in one of Europe’s top-five leagues and the Champions League could see him fall into the hierarchy’s category of a proven top-quality addition.

Their creativity in attacking areas could prove to be music to the ears of centre-forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will want to prove himself in the Premier League once again.

The Englishman netted 14 league goals during his debut year in Yorkshire and will be hoping to improve his tally next term with the added quality around him in attacking areas.

How Leeds could land a £40m star to challenge Calvert-Lewin

Despite his impressive goalscoring form last term, the Leeds hierarchy are looking to delve into the transfer market and add further quality into the club’s centre-forward department.

Countless names have been linked with a summer move to Elland Road, with Franculino just one player who has been linked with a big-money transfer to join Farke’s squad.

However, he’s not the only player who’s appeared on their radar, with Chelsea star Liam Delap another name who’s been mentioned with a possible move to Elland Road.

It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that Leeds have a long-standing interest in the Englishman, and have even held talks with the player's representatives.

They also claim that the forward is free to leave and could be available in the region of £40m this window, with competition expected from the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest for his signature.

Despite Calvert-Lewin’s success during his debut campaign, he may struggle to maintain his starting role throughout 2026/27 if a deal can be reached for Delap this window.

Replacing the Englishman may be a somewhat controversial call, but it could be the right one if the 23-year-old hits the ground running and reaches the next level in his development.

His stats from his recent campaign in England's top-flight showcase his quality in forward areas, with many of which are better than those produced by Calvert-Lewin.

Delap achieved an impressive 40% shot-on-target accuracy rate and registered 2.9 shots per 90 - with both numbers higher than those produced by the Whites’ number nine.

The aforementioned figures also rank him highly amongst other attackers in Europe’s top-five leagues, with such numbers placing him above 70% of forwards.

Farke’s system demands an imposing and physical number nine - as demonstrated by Calvert-Lewin - with Delap a player who’s more than capable of filling such a role.

The Englishman achieved a higher aerial duel success rate and completed more successful passes per 90 - which could arguably make him a better focal point to play off for the Whites.

His higher dribble success rate showcases his added quality within attacking areas, which could see the youngster offer an added dimension to Farke’s frontline.

£40m on such a young and promising talent could prove to be a superb piece of business for the Whites, with the Chelsea talent potentially having the skillset to develop into a world-class talent in the years ahead.

Calvert-Lewin would be the immediate option to make way for the 23-year-old this summer, with the former Everton man having every right to feel hard done by should Delap take his starting role.