Leeds United are now working really hard in the transfer window, releasing a number of players and welcoming a new addition on Monday.
This summer, the 49ers admitted that sales would be required. Archie Gray has gone to Premier League club Tottenham in a deal that allows Leeds to spend £10 million on Joe Rodon following his loan.
Marc Roca, Kristoffer Klaesson, and defender Charlie Cresswell, who signed with Toulouse on Monday, will follow Gray out the door permanently. Diego Llorente is projected to be next on the list.
Sonny Perkins, Jack Harrison, and Sam Greenwood have all gone on loan. Liam Cooper, Ian Poveda, and Cody Drameh are all free agents, while Jamie Shackleton has departed on a free transfer to Sheffield United.
Snodgrass and Ross McCormack react as Leeds make signings.
A lot of emphasis is being placed on bringing in cash at Elland Road, but Leeds have not forgotten about new signings. On Monday, they promptly replaced Klaesson with Alex Cairns.
The 31-year-old joins Leeds for a modest amount from Salford City, returning to the club nine years after leaving Chesterfield. He went on to play 240 games for Fleetwood until joining Salford in 2023.
Leeds confirmed the news on Instagram with a photo of Cairns putting pen to paper, and many of his former Leeds teammates commented. Among them were Alex Mowatt, Ross McCormack, and Snodgrass.
Which additional roles should Leeds strengthen?
Leeds now lacks a right-back following the transfer of Gray. With Shackleton’s departure and Connor Roberts’ return to Burnley, Leeds are weak on the right. A new right-sided defender will be a top priority right now.
Cover at centre-back to allow Ethan Ampadu to return to midfield, as Cooper has left the club, but without confirmation. Junior Firpo is ‘anticipated’ to leave, therefore possibly another left-back is required.
Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto may depart, as Jaidon Anthony and Poveda have already left. As Leeds prepare for their opener against Portsmouth, two or three new wingers may be targeted.
