United are facing another challenging summer in terms of the transfer window, but they may possibly emerge in a healthy position.
Even the most ardent Leeds United supporter understands that the summer transfer window will bring some difficult decisions. Chairman Paraag Marathe has promised signings and money for manager Daniel Farke, but this comes with a dose of reality.
After missing out on the Premier League by the smallest of margins, the club will have to move some players on to deal with profit and sustainability rules. This could mean selling some of the club’s best talent, but if Leeds can deal with the influx of players returning from loan deals, the burden on the budgets – but transfer and wages – could be eased slightly.
The fact that Leeds amassed 90 points in the Championship last season should highlight that there is no need to panic and overhaul the squad; if forced departures are kept to a minimum, Farke can once again build a side capable of challenging at the top – and hopefully go one better than last season.
What would the ideal transfer window look like? Only Farke and the Leeds board can truly know the answer, but we believe this would be an excellent summer for the Whites.
Gray stays.
Leeds might have to face the bullet and cash in on Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto in the coming weeks. Summerville excelled throughout the Championship, receiving player of the year honors and producing goals and assists throughout. Liverpool and Chelsea have expressed interest, and Leeds could demand between £30-35 million for the Dutchman. Gnonto demonstrated his abilities on several occasions and has been linked with a return to Italy. If Leeds could get more than £50 million selling the pair, it would go a long way toward alleviating any financial issues.
While fans may be disappointed to see them go, it is nothing compared to the shock of adolescent star Archie Gray’s departure. The 18-year-old is Leeds through and through, and he represents the club’s best hope for the future. He may yet go on, especially since Leeds is unlikely to compete at the top of the Premier League for some years, but that time should not be now. Keeping Gray at Elland Road would send a strong message about the club’s future plans.
Rodon returns.
Much of Leeds’ success last season was due to the rock-solid duo of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu at the back. The Welsh defender returned to Tottenham after his loan spell, but despite signing a new contract, he appears to be available again. Pascal Struijk’s return will be beneficial to Farke, but re-signing Rodon would allow Ampadu to play central midfield.
Southampton are said to be interested in Rodon, but his Elland Road connections will hopefuly prove too strong. After all, he has unfinished business here.
Sign Sammie Szmodics.
There’s nothing quite like guaranteed goals for any team, but they don’t come cheap. Szmodics, a Blackburn forward, scored more than any other player in the division last season and may fill various roles for Leeds. He can play as a frontman who leads the line, although he may be better suited to a little deeper role.
He could be available for roughly £15 million this summer, though Everton are reportedly keen in bringing him to Merseyside. The Republic of Ireland international possesses the experience Farke sought last season and, if the price is right, would be an excellent addition.
Get Harrison on board.
Jack Harrison, like Brenden Aaronson before him, will return from his Everton loan spell with his career at a crossroads. The former Manchester City wideman has Premier League quality, but with the Toffees under pressure to spend wisely, they are unlikely to make his loan permanent.
USA international Aaronson has been informed his future is at Elland Road, and Leeds should do the same for Harrison, especially if Summerville departs. He can be a vital creative influence on the left flank and, assuming he keeps fit, would be a tremendous asset to Leeds in the Championship.
Right back, problem solved.
Last season, Leeds’ right-backs included Luke Ayling, Djed Spence, Connor Roberts, Sam Byram, Archie Gray, and Jamie Shackleton. Ayling and Spence are long gone, and Roberts has returned to Burnley, leaving the ‘problem’ position to be addressed.
Cody Drameh has returned from his loan at Birmingham as an alternative, with Farke eager to see Archie Gray develop in his more natural central midfield position. He will not want to spend a lot of money in this area, but playing round pegs in round holes is always preferable – and it is something that needs to be addressed in the coming weeks.
