Leeds have submitted a bid to sign the “£60m future” star.

After receiving permission to enter the 2026/27 Premier League season for Leeds United, Daniel Farke said it was “not a good option” to continue as a champion if the Whites failed to comply with his wish.

It proved to be a critical situation for the Elland Road side, who did very well to avoid relegation to the Championship. Farke was an architect, shedding the dignity of being a gentleman almost as high as the chains on his wrists.

The German is still in charge, and he will be happy to see the 49ers pay him, the team and the fans willingly in the transfer market.

Harry Wilson joined the club on a free transfer. What a signing that is. Pascal Struijk’s sale to Brighton for £30m is less exciting, but keeps Leeds in line with the PSR. There’s more to come.

Leeds are submitting new offers for top targets

Leeds went into the summer transfer market knowing they needed to add more flair and sparkle to Farke’s outfit. Wilson will help in that, but more quality is needed.

After all, Leeds are still in talks to withdraw Julian Brandt, who could be a “game changer” for the Whites, according to a German football journalist and Ruhr Nachrichten editor.

But Farke is sharp-minded, and recognizes the need for deep midfield signings. Leeds are continuing their pursuit of a Championship star who could end up signing for the Yorkshire outfit in the summer.

According to Simon Jones of the Dail Mail, Leeds have increased their bid for Southampton’s Shea Charles to £23m, having already seen their opening bid knocked back.

Whether the Saints accept that amount remains to be seen; there is no question that they will continue to play hardball by signing one of the players who can take Leeds to another level in the Premier League.

With Crystal Palace also entering the race for the former Manchester City youngster, it is clear that Leeds need to end this quickly to show Farke that they are indeed on board with his ambition.

Why Shea Charles could be a star for Leeds

Farke created a stable and progressive Leeds team. They have what it takes to secure their place in the Premier League next season, but fans may want a bigger slice of the pie.

They need a few star priced additions. Easier said than done, but someone like Raphinha will appreciate it.

Wilson and Brandt can provide the kind of technical value the Brazilian once produced at Elland Road, but it is Charles who has the quality to develop into a world-class talent, who has been described as a “future £50-60m player” by EFL expert Ali Maxwell.

A physical and technical player, Charles has been hailed as “the perfect midfielder” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, offering a solidity that could bring benefits to a United squad looking for security to allow attack-minded players to thrive.

It would be a real coup, with Charles showing enough promise to suggest he could catch the eye of a big, beautiful fish down the line. In that, perhaps, he could become the Whites’ new version of Raphinha, who does not pack the same version of style, but grows into a big-money star who attracts the interests of the toughest players.

Interestingly, he is not out even after his strong season in the Championship. After settling into his senior role in 2023/24, Charles spent the 2024/25 season on loan with Sheffield Wednesday, playing a major role in the Owls’ 12th-place finish.

His campaign with the Saints was fantastic, but there is no question that he has shown the talent needed to progress to the Premier League, emulating Raphinha in becoming a star at Elland Road.

The 29-year-old Brazilian may have won the Ballon d’Or at Barcelona, ​​claimed several La Liga titles and scored 75 goals and 59 assists in 177 games, but he was that player at Leeds.

Charles has a natural ability to do the same. Man City saw it in the midfielder’s early years, and now, Farke’s Leeds could allow him to flourish. Let’s hope the 49ers do.