Leeds United had a quiet transfer window in January but, hopefully, that was just so they can be much busier in the summer.
While title rivals Burnley and Sheffield United strengthened considerably in the January transfer window, Leeds United watched on as they stuck with their squad.
There were attempts to bring in a playmaker in Emi Buendia or Louie Barry and a late pursuit of Southampton striker Cameron Archer came to nothing but Leeds aren’t too concerned.
Daniel Farke explained Leeds not making a signing was a show of strength rather than weakness in his press conference on Tuesday and the manager had said he expected a quiet window beforehand.
The restraint in spending in January can only benefit the club in the summer, especially if they gain promotion back to the Premier League – which is looking good as they sit at the top of the table.
The top flight will be a whole new ball game, though, and the squad will need strengthening to survive. That usually takes a lot of money but the free-agent market, if utilised correctly, could save Leeds millions.
Here are six players coming to the end of their contracts that Leeds could potentially sign for free in the summer.
Tariq Lamptey
One position that’s looking likely to be a problem for Leeds next summer, whether they go up or not, is full-back, particularly on the left side.
Junior Firpo, who picked up three assists when Leeds thrashed Cardiff 7-0 at the weekend, is in the final months of his contract at Elland Road and an exit is looking likely.
Firpo’s departure would leave Leeds with just veteran Sam Byram (whose deal is also up in the summer) and the unfancied Isaac Schmit as left-back options, which isn’t going to cut it in the Premier League. A replacement will be needed.
Tariq Lamptey is prominently a right-back but has ample experience playing on the left. A versatility that would come in handy given shortages on the right side, too.
The Brighton full-back perhaps hasn’t reached his full potential due to some serious injuries but, at 24, he is still not even in his prime and could be a coup.
Alex Meret
This one’s ambitious but you have to show some if you want to stay in the Premier League.
Goalkeeper has been a contentious position at Leeds, with a lot of fans frustrated at the costly mistakes Illan Meslier can’t eradicate from his game. This hit a new nadir in the 3-3 draw with Hull last month.
A new and improved option between the sticks may be essential for Premier League survival and Alex Meret would bring title-winning pedigree to the club.
The Italian has already won one Serie A with Napoli, as well as a Copa Italia, and could clinch another this year with his side leading the way.
It’s unlikely but if Leeds can offer high wages thanks to money saved on a transfer fee, you never know.
Callum Wilson
Another area Leeds are light in options on is up-front, owed to their late, failed pursuit of Archer in January.
Beyond Joel Piroe, who can be inconsistent himself, you have Mateo Joseph and the perenially injured Patrick Bamford.
21-year-old Joseph has shown potential, enough to see Real Betis bid £10m for him in January, but hasn’t proven capable of leading the line just yet.
Bamford, meanwhile, likely would have dropped down to League One on loan had he not got injured again so it’s difficult to see him staying with Leeds in the top flight.
At least one striker is needed but two would be ideal and Callum Wilson could represent a cost-effective option.
Newcastle’s Wilson has struggled just as much as Bamford with injuries this season, making just five substitute appearances, so it may not make sense on that front.
Yet, he is a striker with a proven Premier League pedigree – 88 goals to his name – and, should he stay fit, is almost guaranteed to score for Leeds. It might be a risk worth taking for a newly promoted side.
Adama Traore
One area of the pitch Leeds do not struggle in is on the flanks. In Dan James, Willy Gnonto, Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon, the club is blessed with the best attacking options in the Championship.
Yet, it remains to be seen if the quartet have the quality to step up in the Premier League and Solomon is only on loan from Tottenham.
One winger who has shown he can be dangerous in the highest division, though if only in hot streaks, is Adama Traore.
The Fulham speedster has never had the greatest stats on paper, but his ridiculous pace always makes him a terror to defend against. He has four assists and two goals for Fulham this season and, on a free, could be an intriguing prospect for Leeds.
Will Hughes
Away from goal scorers and flying wingers, grit, determination and Premier League know-how can often be just as important to gaining survival.
Will Hughes might not be the most exciting name in the world, but he is a seasoned Premier League operator with 171 appearances under his belt.
That sort of experience – and skill, you don’t stay in the top flight for that long if you’re not good enough – would be extremely useful in Leeds’ return to the big time and his contract is currently set to expire in the summer.
Josh Brownhill
Though only one season of it has come in the first division, Josh Brownhill is another canny midfielder with approaching 450 games throughout his career.
The Burnley captain is getting better, too, scoring nine goals and creating four in their own promotion push this season.
Leeds were linked with Brownhill in January and taking one of Burnley’s most important players away could be a cynical ploy to damage a rival while adding to Leeds’ midfield options.
With Joe Rothwell returning to Bournemouth and Josuha Guilavogui likely to leave, Leeds will be two midfielders down immediately at the end of the season.
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