Leeds United need to plug a number of gaps this summer, especially in areas where they lack numerous specialists.
That includes left-back, where Leeds United have just one specialist left-footed player. That is Junior Firpo, but he is set to become a free agent if a new deal is not agreed soon.
Leeds will have to consider bringing in a few free agents of their own to save cash on the major priorities in which Daniel Farke and the 49ers need to strengthen throughout the team.
It’s been reported that Leeds want Aaron Cresswell on a free transfer when his West Ham United contract expires. Leeds are said to be considering the Hammers veteran as a squad player.
Lee Hendrie’s Aaron Cresswell verdict on Wrexham and Leeds
Cresswell is one of four senior players leaving Graham Potter’s side on a free transfer. Another of those is the Leeds-linked Vladimir Coufal. Cresswell is ending an 11-year stint with the club he joined from Ipswich Town.
Caoimhin Kelleher and Cresswell have both been looked at by Leeds. However, ambitious Wrexham want to add the latter to their side ahead of a Championship campaign in 2025/26.
Now, Lee Hendrie has spoken to Football League World to explain which of the two he would move to in Cresswell’s position.
Hendrie said: “Aaron Cresswell is 35 years of age, he comes with loads of experience.
“He was limited on what [game time] he had last season. I think it was something like 20 appearances in the Premier League. So, he obviously couldn’t find his way back into the side and now he’s available on a free.
“For someone like Wrexham, coming into the Championship, I think it will work well because of his experience alone.
“He’d be a good addition, a good footballer, there’s no doubt about that, and I feel that he could drop into the Championship and be a very good player for them.
“On a free transfer, 35, experienced, why wouldn’t they take him on? I think it’d be a good signing for the Welsh side.”
Cresswell is one of six left-backs Leeds have looked at so far but if he is a squad player with Leeds and a starter with Wrexham, then it may be an easy decision for him at his age and needing regular football.
Aaron Cresswell’s set-pieces are a must for Leeds United
Like Cresswell, Firpo is ‘widely anticipated’ to leave Leeds while some reports say Sam Byram is unlikely to stay at Elland Road, despite the retained list confirming Leeds were in talks with both.
Also, Isaac Schmidt has admitted he is open to offers and Max Wober is expected to be sold. Leeds are therefore in danger of losing four options in the left-back area this summer.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Tranmere Rovers | 80 | 6 | 7 |
| Ipswich Town | 138 | 7 | 25 |
| West Ham United | 369 | 11 | 37 |
| England | 3 | 0 | 0 |
At least two specialists are required, and Cresswell could be one of those to ensure they have some depth and Premier League experience. He has over 300 games in the English top flight under his belt.
Leeds also need to improve their set-piece delivery and the number of quality takers this summer, which Cresswell certainly brings to the table more than anything else.
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