Leeds United will turn their attentions towards reshaping their squad once a new manager is finally appointed.
The Whites are reportedly looking to wrap up the process this week with face-to-face interviews having taken place in London between Paraag Marathe, Angus Kinnear, and potential targets.
Daniel Farke, Scott Parker and Patrick Vieira are said to be among the final three on the shortlist, with all three fitting the bill of being currently out of work.
Leeds simply cannot afford to delay the appointment any longer than the end of this week, as plenty of work needs doing on both incomings and outgoings.
New players will be required in positions across every area on the pitch, and so here is a look at four that should be targeted in order to build a stronger spine.
James Trafford – Manchester City
Starting from the back, Leeds may need as many as two new goalkeepers this summer depending on what happens with the future of Joel Robles.
Illan Meslier is likely to depart and so a new number number one will be required, and Manchester City’s James Trafford is someone who fits the bill.
Trafford is extremely highly rated at City but is unlikely to be anything more than third choice with Ederson and Stefan Ortega very much one and two.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Bolton Wanderers and was one of, if not, the best goalkeeper in League One.
Jan Paul van Hecke – Brighton
Leeds could lose as many as four centre backs this summer with Diego Llorente on the verge of returning to Roma and Robin Koch very likely to move on.
Pascal Struijk has also been mentioned as someone who could leave, while Max Wober’s future remains uncertain.
While Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde and Charlie Cresswell would still be on the books even if all four of those players leave, Leeds would require at least one new central defender.
Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke would certainly fit the bill, having only made eight appearances in the Premier League last season.
Van Hecke has Championship experience at Blackburn Rovers, and is excellent both defensively and in possession, making him the ideal signing.
Gustavo Hamer – Coventry City
Midfield is arguably the position Leeds will require the biggest rebuild with Weston McKennie having already left, with Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and even Adam Forshaw potentially following.
Leeds were desperately short of midfielders with quality in possession last season and someone who could address that issue is Gustavo Hamer.
Hamer scored 11 goals and provided 10 assists in the Championship during the 2022/23 campaign, and is capable of playing anywhere in the middle of the park.
Leeds have already been linked with a move for Hamer this summer and he would represent a real marquee addition.
Cameron Archer – Aston Villa
Leeds will be very keen to replace the goals left by Rodrigo this summer with the 32-year-old reportedly close to joining Sevilla.
And there would not be many better options than Aston Villa’s Cameron Archer, who has now shone in two loan spells in the Championship across the last two seasons.
He scored 11 goals and provided six assists for Middlesbrough after only joining on loan in January and at only 21, still has plenty of room to grow.
With Villa set to be in the Europa Conference League next season, they could go big in the market this summer, leaving the door open for Archer to depart.
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