With less than three months separating Leeds and the January transfer window, which players will see their Elland Road contracts expire at the end of the season – and which Leeds players deserve to have their current contracts extended?
In the summer, Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville were all given contract extensions. But there has been little movement since – with Leeds needing to take action on a number of players before the January window.
Indeed, foreign clubs can approach Leeds players on a pre-contract basis from January 1. That is, if their contract ends in June 2023. So, which players will see their current deals expire come the end of the current campaign?
Which players see their Leeds contracts expire in June 2023?
Luke Ayling is the biggest name. The right-back is a Leeds legend of the modern era. But he is now second choice to Rasmus Kristensen, and will turn 32 next August. Do Leeds keep him? Well, as long as he is happy to be back-up.
If he has happy to act as cover for Kristensen, and at centre-back, then he must be given a new deal. Having a player like Bill in our dressing room, even if he is not playing, is of vital importance. Next, is Adam Forshaw. He has an option.
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That option for a further 12 months should be exercised – but that is probably as long as his Leeds spell will last. New signing Joel Robles only signed a deal until 2023. But the Spaniard is yet to play, or even make the bench regularly.
Youngster Max Dean has been a regular for the 21’s, scoring 13 goals in 34 second-string appearances. He is out of contract next summer, as is Harvey Sutcliffe – who has just injured his anterior cruciate ligament – and Morten Spencer.
Which players deserve to have their Leeds contracts extended?
Ayling deserves a deal, maybe a year or two. Forshaw’s option for another year should be activated. Robles, probably not. With the 21’s, Dean has plenty of competition ahead of him. Spencer needs a good season, Sutcliffe is injured.
A decision is not as urgent with the 21’s, as it is with the first team. But the major concern come when looking at the Leeds players with deals until 2024. Robin Koch has been in stunning form. The £13m man needs a new contract.
Jack Harrison has plenty of interest in his services, and a new deal would deter that interest. It would also keep his value high. Pascal Struijk is another, shining in multiple positions. At 23, he needs a long-term deal, five years perhaps.
Decisions also must be made regarding Liam Cooper, Mateusz Klich, Stuart Dallas, Cody Drameh, Diego Llorente and Rodrigo. They are not as urgent as extending Ayling, activating Forshaw – and sorting out Harrison, Koch and Struijk.
So, we at LeedsUnited.News think that as things stand, Leeds should hand out five first-team contracts. Ayling for at least 12 months, long-term deals to Harrison, Koch and Struijk. Then with Forshaw, activate his 12-month extension.
