While Leeds United prepares for a Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City, people behind the scenes will be planning for the summer.
It’s only a few weeks till the transfer window opens again, and much of what Leeds does this month will be determined by what happens on the pitch.
The Whites will face Daniel Farke’s former club Norwich over two legs for a place at Wembley Stadium against the winner of the other tie between Southampton and West Bromwich Albion.
A return to the Premier League would create a far more intriguing window, since the focus would be on who comes in rather than who leaves.
49ers Enterprises, on the other hand, has already recognized that key players will have to go if the team remains in relegation, in order to comply with PSR rules and balance some of the £190 million in outstanding transfer payments.
Leeds target Ben Johnson makes decision on West Ham’s future.
Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, the free agent market is definitely where they should seek to get a few bargains.
Callum O’Hare of Coventry City would be an excellent choice as a number ten, and Burnley’s Charlie Taylor, who was pursued by Leeds last summer, might also be available.
According to TeamTalk, another player on Leeds’ radar seems likely to become a free agency, with Ben Johnson apparently rejecting West Ham’s final offer of a new contract.
Johnson has already turned down many opportunities to extend his contract with the Hammers and is attracting interest from Everton, Wolves, Southampton, and Rangers, in addition to Leeds.
In their search for a right-back in January, Leeds considered Johnson, but he ended up staying in the capital and pushing his way back into the team.
However, his last start was three months ago, and at 24, he is certainly ready to play consistently someplace, and Elland Road may be an option.
The Johnson trade is a no-brainer for Leeds.
Though he clearly has plenty of alternatives, Leeds should jump on this deal regardless of the division they end up in this month.
In the Premier League, the ‘amazing’ Johnson would be an outstanding squad option who could play on both sides, whilst in the Championship, he would quickly become one of the league’s top right-backs.
To be able to get someone of that caliber for free is a no-brainer, and perhaps Leeds can entice him to the club.
