Lukas Nmecha will become a Leeds United player officially on July 1 after the club finalized a free transfer agreement with him.
The 26-year-old forward, whose contract with Bundesliga side Wolfsburg ends this month, had been in advanced talks with Leeds, as reported earlier by The Athletic on Sunday.
Nmecha, who plays internationally for Germany, started his football journey at Manchester City’s academy. His younger brother, Felix, also came through the same system and now plays for Borussia Dortmund.
Lukas had only three appearances for City as a substitute but gained more experience during loan spells at Preston North End, Anderlecht, Middlesbrough, and Wolfsburg.
His standout period came while playing under Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, where he found the net 21 times in one season. He later returned to Wolfsburg on a permanent deal in 2021.
“I feel very happy and eager to get started,” Nmecha said. “Some people like Joss Guilavogui, who I’ve played with before, spoke highly about the club and the atmosphere here.”
“I’ve faced Leeds before in the Championship, and this is a very big club. This move is exciting for me, and I’m looking forward to playing in the Premier League and contributing well.”
He went on to say, “It’s a big opportunity. I’m looking forward to learning more about the team. I’ve had many conversations with the coach already, and the playing style here is something I like.”
“I had limited time on the pitch while I was at City, but now I’m focused on proving myself and showing everything I’m capable of doing,” he added.
International Record and Injury Issues
After choosing to represent Germany instead of England in 2019, Nmecha has played seven times for their senior national team. He was part of the squad that lifted the European Under-21 Championship trophy in 2021 and ended the tournament as the top scorer.
During the 2024-25 season, he made 20 appearances for Wolfsburg, though he started only three matches. He scored three goals during the campaign.
His season didn’t go smoothly, as a hamstring injury affected his early games, followed by an adductor problem that kept him out for five more matches in February and March.
His full record at Wolfsburg includes 85 matches played, with 19 goals scored and four assists provided.
Leeds’ First Signing After Returning to the Premier League
Now that Leeds have secured Nmecha’s signing, he becomes their first new player since earning promotion back to the Premier League.
Under manager Daniel Farke, Leeds beat Burnley to the Championship title on the final day of the season through goal difference. That win confirmed their return to England’s top division, ending a two-year stay in the second tier.
