Leeds United have minimised their wage bill ahead of the 2024-25 campaign in order to reduce funds and have done so by offloading a number of unused players, and dead wood.
Four of the eight players that used Victor Orta’s loan clause in 2023 were permanently sold, while four other players left to join top-tier clubs in the form of Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and more.
A whole load of players departed on a free transfer. Luke Ayling, Ian Poveda, Jamie Shackleton and Cody Drameh have all joined Championship clubs this summer on frees, while Stuart Dallas opted to retire.
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 a super start at Middlesbrough after a very impressive 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.
After a tricky start with a injury and then substitute outings, Drameh has now started three games in a row for Hull at left-back. Leeds did offer hi a new deal, but Drameh explained why he chose 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 brilliant night for Drameh, even if the defender’s celebration needs work. But the right-back seems to be enjoying his football again after a difficult period in his career after a few successive loans from Leeds.
But it was not the perfect performance on Tuesday night, even if he scored and Hull secured a 3-1 away win. The Hull Daily Mail handed Drameh a rating of 7/10, but he had to come back from a “shaky start”.
“Shaky start allowing Dembele through when he stopped for what he thought was handball. Scored great goal to fire his side 1-0 up, but then penalised somewhat harshly for the free-kick which led to a penalty.”
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