Leeds United are well in the mix for an instant return to the Premier League this season. So with that in mind, we have taken a look at five players who may have to move on if promotion is achieved.
Patrick Bamford
There is no doubt that Bamford will be slightly unhappy with the amount of game time he has received this season, but ultimately, Leeds now have better options in attack.
Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe are currently both ahead of him and if Leeds are to get promoted, he is only likely to fall down the pecking order.
That is because Leeds will need to bolster their options in attack to provide the squad with another consistent goal threat. It would be best for all parties, if he was to move on.
Luke Ayling
Ayling has seen his game time significantly reduce this season despite the fact new signing Djed Spence has been injured almost ever since his arrival.
Both Jamie Shackleton and Archie Gray are currently ahead of him in the pecking order, and Spence’s return will only see his chance of playing minimise even more.
Ayling is out of contract at the end of the season and so it feels like the ideal time to shake hands on an exit and thank him for all he has done for the club.
Charlie Cresswell
After a productive loan spell at Millwall last season, Cresswell will have been hoping this was his year for a breakthrough at Leeds, but it just has not happened.
Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have firmly established themselves as first choice at centre-back, with Liam Cooper the preferred option on the bench.
Cresswell is at the age now where he needs to go and play regularly. After signing a new deal in the summer, Leeds should get a decent fee for him.
Joe Gelhardt
Gelhardt is in a similar position to Cresswell in that he often finds himself out of the squad completely due to the options ahead of him.
The 21-year-old just has not progressed how he should have done since he first came into the first team, which is a shame considering how good he looked.
With three years still left on his deal, Gelhardt could bring in a decent bit of money, as well as finding a permanent home where he can play regularly.
Jamie Shackleton
Shackleton has proven himself to be a decent option at times this season but it is difficult to see where he is going to play once Spence returns, and with Junior Firpo now back.
Like Ayling, Shackleton is out of contract at the end of the season and if Leeds are to get promoted, it is difficult to see how he would make an impact in the Premier League.
Shackleton is now already 24 and still hasn’t really had a time in his career when he has played week in, week out. The summer is the perfect time to go and do that.
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