Jon Newsome has picked five Leeds United players that could now leave the club after The Whites suffered defeat to Southampton in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
With many predicting a tight and cagey affair at Wembley, Leeds came out on the wrong side of the result as Russell Martin’s Southampton picked up a third win of the season against Daniel Farke’s men.
Indeed, it was Adam Armstrong that scored the only goal of the game halfway through the first half. A mistake from the normally-reliable Ethan Ampadu opened a gap for Armstrong and he took advantage.
Leeds had a few half chances in the second half but it was not really until Dan James was introduced that Leeds posed any threat. James saw a shot cannon back off the crossbar late on, and another effort saved.
But the defeat now sees Leeds forced to fight for promotion for another season. Southampton return to the Premier League at the first attempt, and Newsome predicted a number of players will now leave.
Jon Newsome predicts Leeds quintet to go, one to Southampton
The first of the five Newsome thinks could depart is that of Wales and Tottenham man Joe Rodon. He is only on loan and given he is likely to cost the best part of £20m, Leeds are likely to forget about a deal.
That is despite Rodon making it clear he would love to sign for his “second home” before the game. Duo Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto have constantly been linked with the exit door at Elland Road.
Newsome thinks they will go while also suggesting Ampadu and James may depart, agreeing with BBC Radio Leeds presenter Jonathan Buchan that the latter may end up swapping Leeds for Southampton.
“Crysencio Summerville, yes, I can see him on his way, Willy Gnonto, yeah, I could see him on his way, Dan James, you know, frustrated, not even playing, on the bench,” Newsome said after the loss at Wembley.
Buchan responded: “Someone like Southampton might take a look at him,” to which Newsome then replied: “Absolutely. You know, Joe Rodon goes back. Ethan Ampadu, who has been great all season.”
The players that could join Summerville and Gnonto in leaving
Georginio Rutter has garnered interest in the past and The Frenchman is clearly a cut above this level, while Connor Roberts is confirmed as going back to Burnley. Same for Jaidon Anthony, at Bournemouth.
Elsewhere, Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk are likely to be seen across Europe as smart, experienced young signings. There was interest in both Meslier and Struijk last summer, from Celta Vigo and Club Brugge.
Junior Firpo is often linked with a move to Spain and has admitted himself he rejected offers last summer to stay. The 49ers are going to have to sell this summer, in order to balance the Leeds books.
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