Heading into our final eight games of the season, there is still a big question mark over which league Leeds United will be playing in next year.
Right now, Daniel Farke’s men top the Championship table. But one point separates the top three. And fourth place Southampton would move to within three points of the summit if they won their two games in hand.
Obviously, we have been treated to some incredible football since the turn of the year. Huddersfield are the only team to stop Leeds winning a league game in 2024. So on form alone, there is reason to be very optimistic.
But of course, there will be some big decisions to make over the summer, whether we go up or not. And with that, here is a verdict on the future of every first-team player, depending on whether we go up or not…
Goalkeepers
Illan Meslier
The Frenchman has had a much better season. He has not had a huge amount to do. But Meslier has come up with some spectacular saves when required. He will return to the Premier League with renewed confidence if we go up. You would imagine that probably he would not stay for a second year in the Championship if not. But it cannot be ruled out given that he has not been a standout player this season – through no fault of his own.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Sold
Karl Darlow
When Karl Darlow signed for Leeds, it appeared to be a smart piece of business, particularly as it looked possible that Meslier would leave. However, Darlow has only made a handful of appearances and been Meslier’s understudy. He could be a very decent backup if we go up. And he may be a contender to be first-choice if we miss out on promotion.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Kristoffer Klaesson
Kristoffer Klaesson turns 24 before the end of the calendar year. Klaesson has done well when he has had a couple of chances this season. But he may have his sights set on a move so he finally play regularly. A loan move if we go up would surely be sensible.
Premier League: Loaned out
Championship: Stays, unless we keep Meslier
Defenders
Connor Roberts
We are actually yet to see Connor Roberts enjoy a run in the side. But he has already come up with some big moments, including the equaliser against Leicester and the assist for the equaliser against Huddersfield. And with that, a permanent deal for the defender would be a big boost whatever division we are in.
Premier League: Permanent move
Championship: Permanent move
Joe Rodon
Speaking of making a permanent move for a Welsh defender, the decision on Joe Rodon seems a simple one. The speculation suggesting that Rodon is signing for Leeds permanently is increasing. And we are absolutely here for it.
Premier League: Permanent move
Championship: Permanent move
Pascal Struijk
If Leeds fail to go up, Pascal Struijk‘s current injury status may help us keep him. He has been sidelined for some time now. And there are doubts over whether Struijk will play again this season. He has done well in the Premier League previously. So it seems a no-brainer to hold onto the 24-year-old.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Liam Cooper
What a captain Liam Cooper has been. Whatever happens this summer, the Scotland international will always be the player who lifted at least one Championship title in his time at Elland Road. His contract expires this summer, and his minutes in the last few weeks hint that promotion would mark the end of his spell at Leeds. Perhaps the situation could be different if we fail to go up. But Cooper may be wary of signing a new deal whichever division we are in.
Premier League: Released
Championship: Probably released
Charlie Cresswell
It has been a turbulent season for Charlie Cresswell. If Leeds fail to get promoted, he could perhaps take on a more important role next year. But should we get promoted, another loan move – this time, at the top end of the Championship – should be sought.
Premier League: Loaned out
Championship: Stays
Diego Llorente
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Max Wober
Max Wober had the potential to be a cult-hero for Leeds. But his loan exit hurt a lot of fans. It seems that Wober is likely to sign for Borussia Monchengladbach permanently. But he has the playing style which could win supporters back around in the unlikely event he does stay.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Sam Byram
Sam Byram has been a smart signing. He has been injured at times. But on a free transfer, you could have few complaints with the deal to bring him back. Whether we go up or not, it would be no surprise to see him stick around for another year, with Farke such a fan of Byram.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Junior Firpo
Junior Firpo was written off by many. But Firpo has silenced a lot of his doubters this season, contributing a number of assists. His contract expires in 2025, but that may mean that this summer is the right time to let Firpo leave on a high.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Rasmus Kristensen
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Stuart Dallas
It is such a shame that Stuart Dallas has not yet returned from injury. His contract expires this summer. Much may depend on how far away he is from returning. If it is still some time away, then it would be nice to see Leeds extend his deal for another year. To be honest, it feels impossible to predict this one as things stand.
Midfielders
Ethan Ampadu
Ethan Ampadu will hopefully be at Leeds no matter what the rest of this season brings. He has been an amazing signing, often wearing the captain’s armband.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Archie Gray
It would be a surprise if we don’t receive big bids for Archie Gray this summer. Gray is a special talent. But hopefully he sees the merit in staying regardless of which division we are in. If Leeds don’t go up, we may need the same powers of persuasion which tempted Kalvin Phillips to stay in 2019.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: (Hopefully) Stays
Ilia Gruev
It took Ilia Gruev some time to get going at Leeds. But the Bulgarian has been exceptional for several weeks now. He is so good in possession and brings a real balance to the team with Ampadu in defence.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Glen Kamara
It’s a full house with our quartet of central midfielders. Glen Kamara just does not lose the ball, and that could be so valuable if we go up and require that extra bit of quality.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Jamie Shackleton
Jamie Shackleton is the kind of player Leeds would surely love to keep for as long as possible. But given the depth at right-back and central midfield, it may make sense to let the youngster go.
Premier League: Released
Championship: Released
Darko Gyabi
Darko Gyabi has shown glimpses of his talent. Gyabi has done fairly well on loan at Plymouth. But next season may be too early for the youngster, particularly if we are promoted. Another loan move higher up the Championship would make the most sense.
Premier League: Loaned out
Championship: Probably loaned out
Marc Roca
It feels as if it may be best for all parties if Marc Roca is sold permanently. There were glimpses, but his move never worked out as everyone hoped.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Sam Greenwood
Sam Greenwood has done fairly well at Middlesbrough. But when you consider the depth Leeds have in midfield and attack, it is hard to see him sticking around beyond this season.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Sold
Attackers
Crysencio Summerville
There are a handful of players who will surely be moving on if Leeds fail to go up, and Crysencio Summerville is almost definitely one of them. His form in the first-half of the season was crucial in guiding Leeds back into the automatic-promotion race. And he will probably attract bids whichever division we are in.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Sold
Daniel James
Daniel James has proved so many of us wrong this season. His form has been exceptional. And he deserves another crack at the Premier League. He may perhaps be someone Leeds will find a way to keep if they miss out because it does feel that not enough has been said about his form.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Jaidon Anthony
Jaidon Anthony has come up with some big moments in a Leeds shirt. However, he has suffered because of how much quality the Whites have in attack. And it may be best for him to head elsewhere next season.
Premier League: Loan ends
Championship: Loan ends
Willy Gnonto
If Leeds get promoted, the form of Willy Gnonto in 2024 will have been pivotal. The Italian has been sensational and reminded everyone of how good he can be. Like Summerville, it is hard to see Gnonto staying if we are not back at English football’s top table next year.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Sold
Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson has not shown a lot during his time in Germany to suggest that he deserves another chance at Leeds. And in truth, many fans probably do not want him back. Selling him however, may be difficult given that he cost nearly £25 million. There just feels like there may be an outside chance of him staying should we get promoted. But he has a massive point to prove if he does.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Loaned out
Georginio Rutter
Watching Georginio Rutter this year has been exceptional. But with that, he is another who will probably leave if promotion is not achieved.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Sold
Jack Harrison
It is becoming increasingly difficult to see Jack Harrison staying at Everton beyond this season. Harrison will surely not be playing in the Championship for Leeds. In truth, fans may have mixed feelings about the winger returning given his departure and the quality of those in his position. He is one of the players in the squad who is proven in the top-flight. But Harrison can apparently leave on loan if we fail to get promoted.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Loaned out
Joel Piroe
Joel Piroe has fallen closer to the periphery of the squad as the season has gone on due to the form of Patrick Bamford. But he can play as a striker and as a number 10. It would be a surprise if clubs made big offers for the Dutchman this summer, so it seems highly likely that he will stay.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
Joe Gelhardt
Joe Gelhardt has the talent to be a Premier League player. But his development does appear to have stagnated over the last couple of years. Reluctantly, it seems the right time to let the forward get his career going elsewhere. Perhaps a loan may make more sense if we miss out on promotion.
Premier League: Sold
Championship: Loaned out
Mateo Joseph
Mateo Joseph looks to have such a bright future ahead. If we fail to go up, he could be someone who benefits and takes on a prominent role. A loan move may be sensible if we go up as it would be fantastic to see Leeds sign another striker.
Premier League: Possible loan
Championship: Stays
Patrick Bamford
Patrick Bamford‘s form this season has been excellent. So you would think that he will be at the club next season, regardless of which division we are in. A chance at redemption may await if we go up.
Premier League: Stays
Championship: Stays
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