Phil Hay has dropped a story on The Athletic’s website in which he details a number of transfer targets that Leeds United are looking at this summer – and here is how we could line-up next season, with six new additions in the XI.
How Leeds could line-up next season after Hay story
Goalkeepers
With Illan Meslier and Joel Robles likely to leave the club, Leeds may need not one – but two additions between the sticks. Hay says Newcastle’s Karl Darlow is a target. We have also looked at Angus Gunn and Freddie Woodman.
Bringing in Darlow, after his impressive form in the Championship for Hull on loan last term – and his previous form in England’s second tier, is be smart business. The Sun say the 32-year-old is rated at a fee of £5m by the Toon.
Defenders
Right-back is pretty sorted, if Cody Drameh stays. He should be made first choice. Charlie Cresswell will return from England U21 duty, while Nat Phillips is a target – for a fee of £10m, as per Hay. They will fight for the right side at CB.
On the left, Max Wober looks set to stay – as does captain Liam Cooper, and Pascal Struijk. Hay reports that Charlie Taylor is a target on the left side of defence, while Ryan Manning has been linked. Both would be superb signings.
Midfielders
Big work needed. Leeds are likely to lose Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Adam Forshaw, after Weston McKennie left. Stuart Dallas he has been out since April 2022. Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray, Lew Bate, Sam Greenwood are options.
So, signings also required. Farke is likely to play a 4-2-3-1, and Han-Noah Massengo is a target after his contract at Bristol City ended. Compensation required, but likened to Edgar Davids. He would be an exciting, needed signing.
In the 10 role, Brenden Aaronson is set for Union Berlin on loan. So, a new 10 is needed. Coventry City’s Gus Hamer is a target after his 21 goals and assists last season. He’d be the best of the lot, if we could get the Brazil-born star.
Attack
Out wide, major surgery is needed again. Cree Summerville, Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra are all likely to go. Dan James is back, Phil Hay confirming he will stay. Georginio Rutter will be used out wide by Farke.
Up top, Hay says Leeds want Swansea’s Joel Piroe – and he would be another excellent signing. He has 41 goals in the Championship in the two seasons he has spent with the Welsh club. A wonderful replacement, if Rodrigo goes.
Patrick Bamford can no longer be relied upon up top because of his injuries and form. Rutter is now a winger, so Joe Gelhardt would supply cover. Below then, is how Farke could line-up next season, with six new summer signings.
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