Leeds United are firmly in the race to sign Wolves centre-back Santiago Bueno this summer, according to an exclusive report published by Sport Witness . The outlet's source confirms that Leeds, Crystal Palace , West Ham United and Brentford have each made direct contact with the 27-year-old Uruguayan's representatives over a potential summer switch.
Bueno's intention to leave Molineux is clear. Since Wolves have been relegated to the Championship, he has no desire to drop down a division. His agency, GBG Global Business Group, which predominantly manages Uruguayan talent, is already fielding approaches. Bueno has two years left on his current deal, and Transfermarkt values him at roughly €10 million.
He arrived at Molineux from Girona in August 2023 and has racked up 81 appearances across all competitions. This season, he contributed three goals and two assists across 30 matches. While Sport Witness hasn't yet established the asking price or which of the four clubs Bueno prefers, his immediate focus is on finishing the season before heading to the World Cup with Uruguay.
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 22: Jorgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace clashes with Santiago Bueno of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on February 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
Leeds United find themselves in a fascinating spot heading into the summer. Daniel Farke has built his defence around a back three or five, and reports from TEAMtalk suggest a left-footed defender who can cover both centre-back and full-back is high on the priority list.
Bueno usually plays as a right-sided centre-back, so he doesn't exactly fit that left-sided profile, which is a detail worth keeping in mind. That said, his numbers this season are decent. With 3.9 clearances, 4.2 duels won, and 2.0 tackles per game, he looks like a physically strong, disciplined defender. The main drawback is his interception rate of just 0.9 per game, which might suggest his positioning and proactive reading of the game aren't quite at an elite level yet.
However, at €10 million, he looks like a bargain, especially for a team that could lose Sebastiaan Bornauw this summer, considering his lack of minutes under Farke. It makes sense to bring in Bueno as a reliable squad option rather than a guaranteed starter, and at that price, it's hard to find much fault with the move. Leeds United will need to act fast, though. With three other established Premier League sides also interested, the market isn't going to wait around.
