Leeds United get their season underway against Portsmouth on Saturday, but as shown last season, their team could have a whole different look to it by the end of the window.
Leeds started their opening day clash with Cardiff City 12 months ago with Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Leo Hjelde and Luis Sinisterra all in the starting line-up.
By the end of January, three of those had left the club, while the one remaining in Cooper, was forced to settle for a place on the bench for much of the season.
This time around, Daniel Farke‘s squad is looking far more settled, though there is still the possibility of changes between now and the end of August.
Wilfried Gnonto continues to be linked with a move away, and Farke is keen to strengthen with at least three more signings. Full-back, central midfield and winger are wanted.
So, with that in mind, here is a look at what Leeds’ dream XI could be by the end of the window.
Goalkeeper
Illan Meslier had been linked with an exit earlier in the summer but has since been made vice-captain and it would be a surprise to see him leave.
Defence
Though Farke is keen to add to his full-back options, anyone coming in will have to wait to force their way into the side.
Leeds want Wolves’ Hugo Bueno on loan but will be unable to offer him guarantees of game time and a move to Feyenoord looks more likely. Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo have the flanks on lock.
Despite Max Wober’s return from his loan spell at Borussia Monchengladbach, it is already clear that Leeds’ first choice centre-back partnership is Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk.
Midfield
Leeds have already added to their midfield options with the loan capture of Joe Rothwell, but Farke is keen to add another having lost Glen Kamara and Archie Gray.
Ethan Ampadu has been made captain ahead of the new campaign and is one of the first names on the team-sheet, but who will be partnering him remains a mystery.
Ilia Gruev appears to have his nose in front right now, but a more attack-minded eight is wanted. Dejan Ljubicic is someone Leeds have bid for, and would likely be first choice if he came.
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Attack
All eyes are currently on Leeds’ recruitment department when it comes to finding a replacement for talisman Crysencio Summerville, who left for West Ham last weekend.
Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe and Crystal Palace’s Jesurun Rak-Sakyi appear to be at the top of Leeds’ shortlist, though a move for the former looks to be the priority.
Rowe would be a real statement of intent by Leeds if they were to land him, and would immediately come into the best XI if he joined, with Gnonto back on the left, if he stays.
Georginio Rutter is someone Leeds will have to fend off interest for in the next few weeks, and if they do, his partnership with Mateo Joseph looks really exciting.
That would leave the likes of Dan James, Brenden Aaronson and Joel Piroe in reserve, which makes for some real solid squad depth.
Dream XI: Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Firpo; Ampadu, Ljubicic; Rowe, Rutter, Gnonto; Joseph
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