Key Points
- Free Agent Acquisition: Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign 18-year-old North Macedonian striker Ditmir Hodja following the expiry of his contract with FK Rabotnički Skopje.
- Transfer Competition Beaten: As reported by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Leeds United successfully won the race for the youngster’s signature despite interest from multiple clubs across Europe.
- Contract and Placement: The 6ft 4in centre-forward signed a three-year contract after impressing during a trial period, initially linking up with the club’s Under-21 squad at Thorp Arch.
- Attacking Need: Leeds United are seeking depth in forward positions following reliance on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season to help secure top-flight safety.
Leeds (The Leeds Times) August 22, 2026 –Leeds United have secured an agreement to sign North Macedonian forward Ditmir Hodja on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with FK Rabotnički Skopje, as reported by Simon Jones of the Daily Mail. The 18-year-old centre-forward was targetted by several European clubs, but the West Yorkshire side won the pursuit to capture his signature.
As outlined by the official media team of Leeds United, the 6ft 4in striker has put pen to paper on a three-year contract at Thorp Arch after a successful trial spell. Hodja will initially join the club’s Under-21 development setup.
During his previous campaign in North Macedonia, the teenager registered six goals in senior competitions for FK Rabotnički before turning 18, ending his final five league fixtures with four goal involvements.
As reported by Beren Cross of Leeds Live, the signing comes as manager Daniel Farke evaluates options for senior attacking depth before the transfer deadline. Leeds United relied heavily on Dominic Calvert-Lewin during the previous campaign, with the forward tallying 14 Premier League goals to help the club preserve its top-flight status.
Following the temporary exit of Joel Piroe on loan to West Ham United, the Whites maintain limited senior central attacking options.
Speaking to the internal media channels of Leeds United, Hodja expressed his delight at completing the transfer, stating:
“It feels amazing. I am very proud to be a Leeds United player. I know Leeds is a massive club with amazing fans and big ambitions. I am hardworking, energetic and always give 100 per cent for the team.”
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What Is the Background of This Transfer Development?
The acquisition of Ditmir Hodja follows Leeds United’s continued strategy of recruiting international talent for their Academy pipeline while balancing immediate first-team requirements under Daniel Farke.
Hodja previously featured for Voska Sport before moving to FK Rabotnički, gaining experience in domestic league matches and participating in a UEFA Conference League qualifying fixture. Internationally, he has represented North Macedonia at youth levels up to the Under-19 team.
Should Hodja earn a first-team appearance, he will become the second player from North Macedonia to feature for Leeds United, following former winger Ezgjan Alioski.
The move comes amidst a wider summer window overhaul at Elland Road, where the club has sought to reinforce several squad positions to maintain long-term stability in the Premier League.
How Will This Development Affect Leeds United and Its Stakeholders?
For the Leeds United academy setup and Under-21 squad, the addition of Hodja provides physical presence and technical profile in the forward line. Integrating into Premier League 2 and domestic cup competitions will allow the player to adapt to English football’s tempo without the immediate demand of Premier League pressure.
For the first-team squad and supporters, while Hodja is planned to start his tenure within the development framework, his progression could provide alternative depth behind main options like Dominic Calvert-Lewin. For FK Rabotnički, the agreement includes standard compensation mechanisms for youth development as the player transitions to foreign competition.
