The loss of Archie Gray earlier this month was an extremely bitter pill to swallow for Leeds United supporters.
The club itself even described his departure as ‘heart-breaking’ in their official statement announcing his move to Tottenham Hotspur, but there could be more to come.
Leeds fans were sent into an absolute frenzy on social media when news first broke of Gray closing in on a move to Brentford. Though it did ease somewhat when it became apparent he would be joining Spurs, it has certainly put the 49ers on the back foot for the rest of the window.
The lack of incoming action that has followed since has done little to offer any respite, despite having been promised by both Daniel Farke and Paraag Marathe they were in a better position to start the window quickly in comparison to 12 months ago.
In fact, despite Leeds’ PSR concerns having been eased by Gray’s sales, the most talk has been regarding which of their other key players will be leaving.
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Graeme Bailey warns ‘pain to come’ for Leeds this summer
Glen Kamara became the latest first team player to seal an exit on Tuesday as confirmation of his move to Rennes arrived.
Until a fee was agreed last weekend, Leeds’ stance was that they wanted to keep Kamara. Given how events unfolded after, it raises the question as to who else could go.
Junior Firpo, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville have all been linked with top-flight moves, which will be hard for them to ignore for a second successive summer, though they did all play a part in Friday’s friendly win at Harrogate Town.
While Leeds have insisted any exits will be down on their terms, Graeme Bailey has exclusively told LeedsUnited.News that more ‘pain’ is to come regarding who might leave.
He said: “Obviously there are issues with getting money in. I heard that Everton might try make Harrison permanent this summer to facilitate bringing in Kalvin Phillips and Armando Broja, as it frees up their loan spots. But that won’t impact Leeds massively.
“Leeds have still got a very strong squad but there is going to be a bit of pain to come with departures. They will still be very well placed and have a strong squad going into the season but yeah, losing a bit more players than fans thought they would.”
What is the current situation with Firpo, Gnonto and Summerville?
At this stage, Firpo looks as though he is closest to the exit door having reportedly agreed personal terms with Real Betis over a proposed move.
Having said that, his message to Mateo Joseph on Instagram after they linked up for Leeds’ opener on Friday night could well be a hint he is staying.
Gnonto, meanwhile, is said to be keen on a switch to Everton for a second summer in a row, after the Toffees reignited their interest earlier this week.
Summerville continues to attract interest from numerous clubs across Europe but nothing in the way of concrete proposals have yet arrived.
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