Leeds contacts the “exceptional” £26 million gem

Leeds United have made some much-needed signatures mid-summer. After an incredible 100-point campaign in the 2024/25 Championship season, the whites have made two new additions in the middle of the park, replacing Jos Hagira Bogui and Jo Rothwell.

The first Midfielder Leeds signed this summer was Newcastle United Academy alumnus Sean Longstaff. He participated with a reporting fee of £12 million from the Magpie. Daniel Fark’s side signed German midfielder Anton Stach from Hoffenheim on the Bundesliga side. He reported £17.4 million in advance, and was costly to add more.

However, the Yorkshire outfit doesn’t seem to be happening there when it comes to signing a new midfielder this summer. They’ve recently linked to another guy in the middle of the park.

Leeds’ next midfield target

So, this season, Elland Road has a clear transfer policy as the midfield is tightened ahead of the huge Premier League season. With Longstaff and Stach passing through the door, Leeds appears to have identified their next target.

According to a recent report by journalist Gianluigi Longari, Leeds is one of the “moving forward” sides about signing Benfica midfielder Florentino Lewis. The Portuguese midfielder is a player his club may “consider departing” in the coming weeks.

However, this is not an easy transaction. Benfica has also been interested in other Premier League sides recently, as “has been inquired by Serie A club in the past.” Newly promoted companion Burnley, like Everton, is one side of the race.

Reported last May, it was reported that Leeds would likely be charged a similar fee, as Toffey placed a bid of around £26 million on Lewis.

Why Lewis is a good signing for Leeds

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder played a key role on the Benfica side last season. He became an established player of his boyhood club over the past few seasons after having several loan spells including the League One side as Monaco.

Last year he made 45 appearances in all competitions and slotted to the roots of their midfield. In 26 appearances on Portugal’s top flight, he played 90 minutes in 15 of those games, leading his side towards a third-place finish.

Former Portuguese Under 21 International, who has not yet appeared in seniors in his country, was described as an “exceptional talent” by former boss Louis Vitoria.

As well as his strong defensive contributions, he was also missing with two goals and one assist.

Lewis certainly is consistent as a defensive midfielder. The 25-year-old can be claimed to have the shade of former Leeds hero Calvin Phillips. His career has taken a downward trajectory since departing Elland Road, but his impact at the club during his childhood was fantastic.

With 234 white games, England International became a vital figure at the root of the midfield, scoring 14 goals and supporting 13. He was once described by Gary Neville as “by far the best British midfielder.”

Phillips’ debut campaign in the Premier League in 2020/21, and Benfica’s statistics with Lewis in recent seasons further strengthen the fact that he is very similar to Leeds’ homemade heroes.

Looking at the FBREF numbers, Benficuster averages 6.12 tackles and intercepts and 5.8 progressive passes per 90 minutes. In comparison, the former Leeds midfielder averaged 4.41 tackles, intercepts and a progressive pass of 5.07 in each game.

Not only does Lewis own quality, but his progressive nature also helps to accumulate Leeds. His game certainly has a similar aspect to Phillips, especially his defensive work.

At a price of around £26 million, this could be a great deal for Leeds to further improve mid-range quality.