Leeds United’s Championship campaign is over and all attention now turns to the summer transfer window ahead.
An emotional and challenging Championship season is over and Leeds United ended it in style by earning the title on goal difference over Burnley.
Daniel Farke’s side brought the campaign to an end with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle, with goals from Willy Gnonto and Manor Solomon ensuring the trophy came back to Elland Road.
But now the hard work really starts for Leeds, who have to get every major decision absolutely right this summer ahead of their Premier League return.
Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton have shown that spending a lot of money alone is not enough for survival. It must be spent wisely.
Farke has already called for ‘ambition’ from the 49ers and Leeds will have to significantly improve their squad in the summer transfer window if they hope to stay up.
Here is everything you need to know about the summer transfer window.
When does the summer transfer window open?
The transfer window will actually open twice this summer in a bizarre new development.
Premier League clubs will first be able to make signings from Sunday, June 1, but the window will then shut again just nine days later on Tuesday, June 10.
Then the window will open as normal on Monday, June 16 and remain so for the rest of the summer.
Why are there two transfer windows this summer?
The window briefly opens earlier than normal this summer to afford clubs competing in the Club World Cup the chance to register new players before it begins.
However, all Premier League clubs will be able to make signings during the nine-day period, not just Chelsea and Manchester City, who will be taking part in the tournament.
Why the window doesn’t just stay open instead of closing for six days remains a mystery, though.
When is summer transfer deadline day?
Despite some suggestions that the window would close before the Premier League season gets underway, it will stay open for the duration of August.
Transfer deadline day will come on Monday, September 1 with the window closing at 7 pm.
Top targets for Leeds United in summer transfer window
Leeds have a lot of work to do this summer to get the squad in good condition to withstand the significant increase in difficulty the Premier League will bring.
Several positions will need to be improved but the biggest priority bar none is goalkeeper.
Illan Meslier’s disastrous mistakes saw him dropped from the side late on in the season and his days at the club look numbered, while replacement Karl Darlow probably isn’t good enough for the top flight.
Elsewhere, Leeds will likely need to sign a new playmaker, centre-midfielder, a winger or two and a striker at the very least.
A new left-back will also be required if Junior Firpo doesn’t sign a new contract and Leeds fans are desperate for Solomon to be signed permanently from Tottenham.
How much can Leeds United spend in the summer transfer window?
Though the Premier League results in a massive increase in revenue, it also brings with it new financial rules and restrictions to contend with, like PSR.
It’s not yet completely clear what the transfer budget Leeds will be able to spend this summer but both Ipswich and Southampton splashed out well over £100m last year, while Leicester City spent £80m
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