Key Points

• Leeds United have several senior shirt numbers available for prospective summer signings.
• Harry Wilson is expected to join on a free transfer after an agreement was reached for the former Fulham winger.
• Shea Charles remains a target, with Leeds having reportedly made bids worth more than £20million.
• Hope also remains that Leeds can persuade free agent Julian Brandt to join.
• Available squad numbers include 5, 12, 13, 16, 17 and 20.
• Wilson cannot take his old No 8 because it is already held by Sean Longstaff.
• Several of the open numbers were last worn by players who have left Elland Road this summer or recently.

Leeds United (The Leeds Times) July 4, 2026, is reported to have a number of senior squad numbers available as recruitment continues ahead of the new campaign, with Harry Wilson expected to be among the first additions. The club are also said to be pursuing Shea Charles and still hoping to attract Julian Brandt, leaving incoming players with several possible shirt options to choose from.

Why are Leeds United shirt numbers open this summer?

According to the report, Leeds have a clutch of senior squad numbers available because several players have left the club, moved on loan, or not retained their previous numbers.

The situation matters because summer signings often want to settle quickly into the squad with an available number that matches their preference or position.

As reported by the original coverage, Wilson is the most imminent arrival after a deal was agreed for the former Fulham winger, who scored 10 goals and provided seven assists last season.

The report also states that Leeds are actively pursuing Shea Charles after bids worth more than £20million, while hope remains of securing Brandt on a free transfer.

Which numbers can Harry Wilson choose?

Wilson’s former No 8 shirt at Craven Cottage is not available at Elland Road because Sean Longstaff already wears it. That leaves several other options open for the winger if he completes his move.

The numbers currently available, as set out in the report, are No 5, No 12, No 13, No 16, No 17 and No 20. Each has a recent Elland Road history, and some have been worn by well-known Leeds names in the past.

What is the situation with No 5?

No 5 became available after Pascal Struijk’s £20million move to Brighton. The Dutch defender wore the shirt for two years before vacating it.

What about No 12?

No 12 was used by loan winger Jaidon Anthony in the 2023/24 season before his return to Bournemouth. It has remained unclaimed since then, and past holders include Gordon Strachan and Paul Rachubka.

Is No 13 free for a new arrival?

No 13 was surrendered by Kristoffer Klaesson in 2024 and has previously been worn by Kiko Casilla. The report notes that neither Karl Darlow nor Alex Cairns opted to take it, which keeps it open for a new signing.

Could No 16 go to another signing?

No 16 is open following Illan Meslier’s departure at the end of his contract. The shirt has a varied list of former wearers, including Yosuke Ideguchi and Toumani Diagouraga.

What happened to No 17?

No 17 belonged to Largie Ramazani in 2024/25 but is now free after his summer loan to Valencia. The report says he could reclaim it if he stays, although that appears unlikely. Former wearers include Helder Costa and Alan Smith.

Why is No 20 available?

No 20 was Jack Harrison’s shirt for the first half of last season before his January loan to Fiorentina. The report says he is unlikely to be around next season, so the number should remain available.

How does this affect Leeds’ transfer plans?

The availability of several senior numbers suggests Leeds are preparing for multiple incoming players rather than a single addition.

For Wilson, Charles and Brandt, shirt choice may seem secondary, but it is part of the practical process of integrating new signings into the squad.

The report indicates that Wilson looks closest to joining, while Charles remains a significant target and Brandt is still being pursued.

If more than one of those deals progresses, Leeds may need to allocate numbers quickly to avoid any delay once players arrive.

What does the report say about the recruitment picture?

The key recruitment message is that Leeds are still active in the market and have room to accommodate new faces.

Wilson’s expected arrival appears the most advanced, but the interest in Charles and Brandt shows the club are not stopping at one signing.

As reported by the source material, Leeds have already made bids worth more than £20million for Charles, which underlines the scale of their interest.

The club’s ability to offer a range of open shirts may not determine a transfer, but it does support the sense that the squad is being shaped for a busy summer.

Who are the players named in the report?

The report specifically names Harry Wilson, Shea Charles, Julian Brandt, Sean Longstaff, Pascal Struijk, Jaidon Anthony, Kristoffer Klaesson, Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns, Illan Meslier, Largie Ramazani, Jack Harrison, Gordon Strachan, Paul Rachubka, Kiko Casilla, Yosuke Ideguchi, Toumani Diagouraga, Helder Costa and Alan Smith.

It also identifies Fulham and Bournemouth as clubs connected with Wilson and Anthony respectively, while Brighton and Valencia are linked to recent exits.

The central point is that Leeds have a workable list of numbers open for incoming players. That gives the club flexibility as negotiations continue and allows a new signing to be registered without needing to wait for a shirt to become free.

Background of this development

Leeds United’s shirt-number situation is a direct result of summer turnover, contract expiry, loans and permanent departures.

As players leave, the club’s list of available numbers expands, which often becomes noticeable when transfer activity begins to accelerate.

The report reflects a familiar stage of a club’s summer rebuild: confirming targets, finalising agreements and then assigning squad numbers once players are close to joining.

In Wilson’s case, the move is described as close, while Charles and Brandt remain linked through active pursuit rather than completion.

Prediction for Leeds fans

For Leeds United supporters, the immediate effect is likely to be heightened anticipation as incoming players are fitted into the squad structure.

If Wilson’s move is completed first, his shirt choice could become an early signal of how the club views his role in the new season.

If Leeds secure more than one of the named targets, the open numbers suggest there will be little administrative delay in registering them.

That should help the club present a more settled look before the season begins, while also giving fans an early indication of how the summer rebuild is taking shape.