Last summer saw Leeds United forced into a summer clearout after failing to gain promotion back to the Premier League – and a total of 22 first-team players were allowed to leave in one way or another.
From selling Archie Gray to Tottenham for a £40m fee, to letting Luke Ayling join Middlesbrough on a free transfer permanently after an initial loan, a whopping 22 left and here is how they got on during 2024-25.
How the 22 players to leave Leeds last summer have fared
Liam Cooper – CSKA Sofia (free)
After 10 years at Leeds, captain Cooper made the surprise move to CSKA Sofia on a two-year deal after a dismal start. Despite injuries, he has helped turn things round – playing 25 times. They finished in seventh.
Luke Ayling – Middlesbrough (free)
Having initially gone to Boro on loan, he joined permanently but it has been a poor season, missing out on the play-offs and Michael Carrick sacked. Ayling only played 28 matches, and little over 2000 minutes.
Lew Bate – Stockport County (free)
Heartbreak for Bate, who has captained Stockport this season. His side lost on penalties in the play-off semi-finals after a wonderful third-place in League One. Bate had a hand in seven goals in 36 games.
Cody Drameh – Hull (free)
Daniel Farke made up his mind on Drameh after bringing him on as a sub and taking him off in the 4-3 win over Ipswich last season. A rotational role for Drameh at Hull, less than 2000 minutes and 29 games.
Robin Koch – Frankfurt (free)
Technically, Koch only left last summer. But really, he left in 2023 having joined Frankfurt on loan using Victor Orta’s clause. A brilliant season, winning his Germany place back and being linked with Leverkusen.
Ian Poveda – Sunderland (free)
Poveda’s struggles continue after the Colombia international made a move to Sunderland after a loan at Sheffield Wednesday. Just six league games and with Sunderland going up, Poveda is likely to go again.
Jamie Shackleton – Sheffield United (free)
Shackleton made the risky move to rivals Sheffield United and it didn’t pay off. The Blades were beaten by Leeds and Burnley to the top two, losing in the play-offs and Shackleton only played 12 league matches.
Kris Klaesson – Rakow, Aarhus, Viking (nominal)
Crazy. Joining Polish side Rakow, Klaesson’s contract was scrapped after being spotted in McDonald’s. He went to Danish side Aarhus, before moving back to his home country of Norway with Viking. Very busy.
Marc Roca – Real Betis (£4m)
After a very impressive loan last season, Roca joined permanently but injury has hampered his progress with the Conference League finalists. Just 17 outings in all competitions, little over 1000 minutes played.
Archie Gray – Tottenham (£40m)
Tottenham’s injury crisis worked in Gray’s favour, allowing him to play much more than he might have imagined – even if, at centre-back. North of 40 appearances and now a Europa League champion. Superb.
Charlie Cresswell – Toulouse (£3.8m)
After a tricky start in Ligue 1, Cresswell finally settled after being embarrassed in a loss against Marseille. The Thorp Arch star was a mainstay for Toulouse, playing 34 times and even scoring four goals for them.
Diego Llorente – Real Betis (£2m)
After 18 months on loan at Roma, Llorente joined Roca’s Betis and started well – with talk of a return to the Spain squad emerging. But he lost his place to Marc Bartra, unused in the Conference League final.
Glen Kamara – Rennes (£10m), Al-Shabab (loan)
Leeds doubled their money on Kamara as Rennes spent big last summer, but the Finnish ace flopped in France. It saw him booed and loaned out to Saudi side Al-Shabab – and his future is now very unclear.
Crysencio Summerville – West Ham (£34m)
Bought for an initial £25m, Summerville’s form could see Leeds win £9m more in add-ons. But after just one goal and numerous injuries, Summerville has been a flop for the Hammers in an atrocious season.
Georginio Rutter – Brighton (£40m)
A slow start after a very controversial Leeds exit, Rutter slowly got into his stride and finished the season with eight goals and five assists in 34 games. Solid, without excelling – perhaps not proving his £40m fee.
Sonny Perkins – Leyton Orient (loan, then permanent)
Having beaten Bate’s Stockport in the League One play-off semi-finals, Leyton Orient lost to Charlton in the final at Wembley. Perkins signed permanently after an initial loan, 12 goals and assists in 42 matches.
Rasmus Kristensen – Frankfurt (loan, then permanent)
He might be hated at Leeds, but Kristensen enjoyed a stunning loan with Frankfurt. So much so, that the German club have signed him permanently. 43 games, 10 goals and assists, and a third-placed finish.
Jack Harrison – Everton (loan)
Where to start with Harrison. One goal, no assists and Everton fans fed up. David Moyes liked Harrison but his lack of end product and Angus Kinnear’s move to Everton see him return to Elland Road.
Darko Gyabi – Plymouth (loan)
His 18 months at Plymouth came to an end with The Green Army relegated to League One. Vital games for the midfielder, but he will be on the move again – Leeds want £3m-£4m for the England U21 man.
Sam Greenwood – Preston (loan)
A great start at Preston, followed by a dismal run of form after the turn of the year. LeedsUnited.News spoke to Olly Dawes about Greenwood’s Jekyll and Hyde season – as he returns to Leeds once again.
Connor Roberts – Burnley (loan return)
Roberts played 16 times on loan from Burnley last season, before returning to The Clarets. He played a crucial role in Burnley’s stunning defence, a first name on the team sheet as they secured promotion.
Jaidon Anthony – Bournemouth (loan return)
Anthony played a bit-part role for Leeds, returning to Bournemouth before reuniting with Scott Parker at Burnley. In front of Roberts on the right, Anthony earned a permanent move after 15 goals and assists.
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