Leeds United have reduced its salary cost ahead of the 2024-25 season in order to save money, releasing a number of unneeded players and dead wood.
Four of the eight players that used Victor Orta’s loan clause in 2023 were permanently sold, while four others, including Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, went on to join top-tier clubs.
A large number of players departed on free transfers. This summer, Championship clubs signed Luke Ayling, Ian Poveda, Jamie Shackleton, and Cody Drameh on free transfers, while Stuart Dallas retired.
Liam Cooper made the surprise move to CSKA Sofia while plenty of others have left Elland Road at the end of their contracts. Ayling has made an excellent start at Middlesbrough following a very successful loan spell.
Cooper won a clean sheet on debut in Bulgaria while Shackleton has had a couple of knocks and is not first choice under Chris Wilder, finding himself in and out of the side much like his situation at Leeds.
Cody Drameh scores stunning Hull goal in 3-1 win after Leeds exit
The 22-year-old struggled at Leeds. He went on loan to Cardiff, Luton and Birmingham having managed just 10 senior Leeds appearances. But on Tuesday night, Drameh finally scored his first professional goal.
Drameh has now started three games in a row for Hull at left-back, following a difficult start with an injury and subsequent substitute appearances. Leeds did offer him a new contract, but Drameh explained why he decided to join Hull.
Drameh had not scored a senior professional goal on Tuesday but you would never have known, judging by the “phenomenal” star’s strike. A half-volley that flew in from 20 yards, for Hull City’s second goal.
What Hull media thought about Cody Drameh’s Tuesday display
A terrific night for Drameh, even if the defender’s celebration needs refinement. But the right-back seems to be enjoying his game again following a rough phase in his career after a few successive loans from Leeds.
However, even though he scored and Hull won 3-1 away on Tuesday night, it was hardly his best performance. The Hull Daily Mail rated Drameh 7/10, but he had to recover from a “shaky start”.
“A shaky start, allowing Dembele through after he stopped for what he thought was a handball. Scored a wonderful goal to put his team ahead 1-0, but was then severely penalized for the free kick that resulted in a penalty.”
