Leeds United have several key decisions to make in the coming weeks as they continue to shape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Whites may also be forced to accelerate their search for a new goalkeeper after reports emerged that Manchester United are interested in signing Karl Darlow on a free transfer this summer.
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Meanwhile, Leeds are already making progress in the transfer market and appear to be edging closer to a club-record signing after reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande.
However, the Yorkshire club are also exploring more affordable defensive options and are among the teams tracking a promising centre-back in Italy ahead of the summer window.
Leeds United among clubs monitoring Parma defender Mariano Troilo
Leeds are working on multiple targets as they look to strengthen Daniel Farke’s squad while remaining mindful of financial constraints.
With Pascal Struijk expected to move on this summer, the club are pushing hard to complete a deal for Diomande. However, they may also need another centre-back if Sebastiaan Bornauw departs Elland Road.
Signing Diomande would likely consume a significant portion of Leeds’ defensive budget, meaning the club must identify a more cost-effective option to provide additional depth.
According to 351 Deportes, Leeds are one of four Premier League clubs interested in Parma defender Mariano Troilo.
The 22-year-old struggled for regular opportunities during the first half of the 2025/26 season but became an important figure for Parma during the latter stages of the campaign.
His impressive performances have attracted attention from England, with Leeds joined by Sunderland, Fulham and Brentford in the race for his signature.
Parma are reportedly willing to sell the defender if their £20 million valuation is met.
Leeds must negotiate a better deal
Bornauw is believed to favour a return to Germany in search of more consistent first-team football, with several Bundesliga clubs monitoring his situation.
Leeds will need cover if the Belgian leaves, but committing another major fee to a player who may not be an automatic starter could prove difficult to justify.
Mariano Troilo – 2025/26 League Statistics
Metric
Value
Appearances (Starts)
23 (20)
Minutes Played
1,805
Clearances
79
Aerial Duels Won
55.0%
Tackle Success Rate
51.0%
Pass Completion
89.3%
Clean Sheets Contributed
8
Goals
1
Yellow / Red Cards
7 / 2
Average WhoScored Rating
6.65
A move for Troilo would make sense if Leeds view him as a direct replacement for Bornauw. However, Parma’s reported £20 million asking price appears steep for a player who may initially arrive as a squad option rather than a guaranteed starter.
The deal would become far more attractive if Leeds can negotiate a lower fee, although competition from several Premier League rivals could make that difficult.
With interest continuing to grow, Leeds may ultimately have to match Parma’s valuation if they are serious about bringing the Argentine defender to Elland Road this summer.
