During the 2025 summer transfer window, Farke and newly appointed sporting director Adam Underwood prioritised recruiting tall players capable of bringing greater physical strength to a squad being prepared for the demanding nature of England’s top division.
Eight of their 10 permanent additions – Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Justin, Lukas Nmecha, Noah Okafor, Lucas Perri and Anton Stach – are taller than 6ft.
Farke explained in July 2025 that the focus on height was intentional. He noted that entering the Premier League with one of the division’s smallest squads would create greater physical pressure than in the Championship, making it essential for his side to defend crosses effectively.
Following centre-back Pascal Struijk’s summer move to Brighton, Farke strengthened the back line by signing two players with World Cup experience: Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic and Switzerland international Nico Elvedi.
Muharemovic has made an especially strong impression, featuring in every minute of league action despite his mistake in the build-up to Bazoumana Toure’s late consolation goal for Newcastle. Behind him is 6ft 5in England international James Trafford, who became the costliest British goalkeeper for a second time after arriving from City in an initial £40m deal.
Leeds also secured Harry Wilson on a free transfer from Fulham after he emerged as one of the league’s leading performers last season, further underlining the smart nature of the club’s recent recruitment.
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