10 Leeds players will see contracts expire next June, which ones do we keep – and who leaves

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Leeds United’s contractual situation will see 10 players leave Elland Road on a free next summer, as things stand – so, here we analyse which of those need a new contract, and which will leave for nothing.

Luke Ayling

A tricky one. Ayling is past his best but remains a key player at Elland Road. He struggled in his final year in the Premier League. If he is willing to stay as a squad player – then another year would be perfect.

Liam Cooper

Similarly to Ayling, Cooper remains key to Leeds off the pitch. You may argue that he has performed a slightly more-important role on it, too. It depends who Leeds bring in at centre-back, before a new deal.

Stuart Dallas

It would be a shame to see Dallas go – given he has spent the last 18 months on the sidelines. But, it is down to Dallas to get back to fitness and remind Leeds what he can do. If he does, new deal needed.

Sam Byram

Byram, 30, was signed on a 12-month deal largely because of his injury record but over the last couple of months, he has been excellent. Performing superbly, without injury. He should be offered a new deal.

Jamie Shackleton

Shackleton is in and out of the side and while there has been a re-emergence, he does not play when all others are fit. For the good of his career, it might be better for Shackleton to leave Leeds on a free.

Ian Poveda

Like Shackleton, Poveda enjoyed a resurgence in pre-season. But there are a number of wingers ahead of him in the pecking order and Poveda needs game time to realise his best form. Surely, he will leave.

Lew Bate

Bate is a player with extreme potential and perhaps, could still break in to the side at some point. He is young enough to still play for the 21’s. Like Shackleton, it might be best for the £1.5m man to leave.

Cody Drameh

Drameh is impressing out on loan at Birmingham – having done so at Cardiff and Luton. It feels like he just cannot make it work at Leeds. If Ayling signs a new deal then Drameh will surely have to leave us.

Jack Jenkins

Jenkins has gone on loan to Scunthorpe United and has been unable to build on the debut he was given by Marcelo Bielsa. The 21-year-old midfielder will leave and kickstart his career down the Leagues.

Robin Koch

Koch is gone. Joining Frankfurt on loan in the final year of his deal, he will be allowed to sign a pre-deal with them on January 1. He has played every minute in all 12 games for them this season. He will go.