Leeds United are stepping up their summer transfer plans, and while the obvious gaps remain in goal, attacking midfield, and centre forward, a new priority has emerged—urgent reinforcement at full-back. The club’s left flank is set to be depleted following Junior Firpo’s imminent transfer to Real Betis, while Sam Byram remains out of contract. That leaves Isaac Schmidt and Jayden Bogle as Leeds’ only notable full-back options, creating a serious depth issue.
The Elland Road hierarchy has reportedly turned their sights toward a versatile defender with attacking instincts—Mattia Zanotti, a player who offers flexibility on both flanks and is a known close friend of Leeds forward Willy Gnonto. The two were teammates for Italy’s U21 side, and though their European Championship campaign ended bitterly—both Zanotti and Gnonto were sent off in a dramatic quarterfinal against eventual finalists Germany—their club form has drawn positive attention.
Zanotti, currently on the books at Swiss outfit Lugano, enjoyed a standout 2024–25 season. As a right-back who can comfortably switch to the left, he was instrumental in helping Lugano finish fourth in the Swiss Super League and qualify for the Europa Conference League. The 21-year-old contributed to 13 goals in 41 appearances, showcasing not just defensive reliability but also a sharp attacking edge.
Reports indicate Leeds are now weighing up a move in the region of £8.5 million to £10 million for the defender. But they’re not alone. German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg and Serie A club Bologna are also monitoring Zanotti, which could complicate things for the Yorkshire side. However, Leeds might have a hidden advantage in the race—thanks to a very familiar face.
Enter Gjanni Alioski. The former Leeds fan-favourite recently completed an emotional return to Lugano, the club he left back in 2017 to join Leeds. While his arrival in Switzerland is framed around a homecoming of sorts, it may serve a secondary purpose: clearing the runway for Zanotti to depart.
Alioski’s presence gives Lugano an experienced, attack-minded full-back capable of stepping in should Zanotti leave. That could encourage the Swiss side to entertain bids more openly, knowing they have a reliable replacement already integrated into the squad. It’s not yet certain whether Leeds will formally table an offer, but this development tilts the odds slightly in their favour.
The potential Zanotti-Gnonto reunion at Elland Road would also be a welcome emotional boost for Leeds, especially after Gnonto’s turbulent summer. The 20-year-old endured a frustrating U21 Euros tournament, capped by a red card against Germany. However, the Italian international had an impressive season domestically and remains a central figure in Leeds’ long-term vision.
Elsewhere, transfer efforts continue, with Manor Solomon’s situation still in the air. Solomon has expressed to Tottenham Hotspur a desire to stay in North London and impress new manager Thomas Frank, despite interest from Leeds. That move now looks unlikely, prompting the Leeds hierarchy to shift their focus elsewhere—hence the pivot to strengthening at the back.
Meanwhile, Dom Calvert-Lewin has confirmed he is now a free agent, sparking speculation after a recent phone call from Leeds. Whether he ends up at Elland Road is yet to be seen, but the club’s recruitment drive is clearly active across multiple positions.
While the front-line narrative has centered on attacking reinforcements, it’s the quieter, more strategic targets—like Mattia Zanotti—that could ultimately shape Leeds United’s 2025–26 campaign. If Gjanni Alioski’s Swiss adventure can grease the wheels for a deal, Leeds could soon find themselves with a dynamic young full-back and a much-needed answer to their defensive dilemma.
