Leeds United are being linked with a number of possible new additions with relegation now more than likely, ahead of this weekend’s outing against Tottenham – but how could they line-up if the club do return to the Championship?
This week, there have been a few names. While Phil Hay says in his latest piece on The Athletic, that player sales could go into double figures this summer. He claims the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Rodrigo and plenty more could go.
Meanwhile, Leeds have been linked with Swansea’s Ryan Manning, and Rangers winger Ryan Kent – both of whom are available on a free transfer. Southampton’s Che Adams is a target. So, how could Leeds line-up if relegated?
Joel Robles (GK)
Robles is out of contract in June but his form over the last few weeks should convince the Whites to hand him a new deal at Elland Road. Illan Meslier is likely to be one of those to depart in the summer, even if he has been dropped.
Luke Ayling (RB)
Bill signed a new one-year deal to keep him at Elland Road until 2024. He is in it for the long run and will remain at ER this summer. Cody Drameh’s future could be a factor but he is expected to leave. If Drameh stays, he starts.
Charlie Cresswell (CB)
Robin Koch will go, Diego Llorente could sign for Roma permanently. So, Leeds need a right-sided centre-back and the best option is Cresswell – who starred on loan for Millwall last term, scoring five. He is ideal for the second tier.
Liam Cooper (CB)
Like Ayling, Cooper is not going to be going anywhere – and like Ayling, he has a year left on his deal. With Max Wober likely to go if we do go down, Cooper will remain first choice in the side if we are relegated on the weekend.
Ryan Manning (LB)
FLW say Leeds are keen on Manning. Swansea’s Player of the Season, having a hand in 15 goals last season. But the Swans have confirmed the Ireland star is leaving on a free this summer; he would be a wonderful signing for Leeds.
Adam Forshaw (CM)
Sam Allardyce has made it clear that Forshaw is the best midfielder he has at hid disposal right now. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Marc Roca could all go. Forshaw needs a new deal, adding experience in the Championship.
Darko Gyabi (CM)
Gyabi – who is in Argentina with England U20’s World Cup squad – is one of a number of Leeds talents that could benefit from relegation. Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt, Lew Bate, too. Gyabi might even find himself starting.
Cree Summerville (RW)
Summerville has shown glimpses of magic this season. Scoring in four Premier League games before the World Cup break, consecutively. But it has been inconsistent since. A drop to the Championship makes Summerville first pick.
Brenden Aaronson (CAM)
Some may feel that Aaronson will be one of a number of players to go this summer. But he failed to get going in his first season and because of that, interest may be small. He is still young, and he may benefit from a drop in division.
Ryan Kent (LW)
Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison seem more than likely to leave this summer. Luis Sinisterra too, despite his injuries. So, Leeds need a new signing. TMW say Leeds want Kent and Rangers have confirmed he is going on a free.
Che Adams (ST)
Major surgery is needed up top. Rodrigo will leave, he is too expensive to keep if we go down. Patrick Bamford, not good enough. Gelhardt? Struggle at Sunderland. Georgie Rutter? He might go out on loan. Leeds need a striker.
Adams has always been linked with Leeds. A player Victor Orta has previously tried to sign. TeamTalk report Leeds are still keen on a player who is now in the last year of his Saints deal. Relegation makes the £15m star’s exit likely.
