Leeds United have just been given the green light to pursue a potential midfield target on a free transfer.
With Sunday 30 June representing the end of the financial year in football, the players with contracts that are expiring this summer are now officially available as free agents.
Leeds have three first team players themselves who are in such a situation, with Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton and Cody Drameh all having unsigned contracts on the table.
As it stands, it looks likely they will all be moving on, with Shackleton close to an agreement with another club, Cooper fielding interest from elsewhere, and too much water under the bridge for Drameh to sign.
However, with no confirmation on any of their decisions, Leeds have so far been unable to announce that they have officially been released, unlike a potential target of Daniel Farke‘s.
Coventry City confirm Callum O’Hare decision
Leeds look set to be in the market for new midfielders this summer with Archie Gray on the verge of making the big money switch to Tottenham Hotspur.
Glen Kamara is also wanted by Ligue 1 side Rennes, while Ilia Gruev was linked with Borussia Dortmund earlier in the window, even if it is looking likely he will stay.
Despite Brenden Aaronson’s return, another number 10 would also not go amiss and one player who has been linked is Callum O’Hare.
O’Hare is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in the Championship after netting nine goals in all competitions last season upon his return from a serious knee injury.
And Leeds’ hopes of signing him have just been handed a major boost with Coventry City officially confirming on Monday afternoon he has now left the club.
This means the ‘brilliant‘ O’Hare is now on the market as a free agent, though Leeds are certainly not going to be short of competition for his signature.
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With Joel Piroe wanted abroad, Leeds need extra competition
As mentioned, Leeds have already moved to address their number 10 shortage by making the decision to welcome Aaronson back into the fold.
However, over a 46-game season, Aaronson alone will not be enough and extra competition in that role is needed.
Joel Piroe spent a lot of last year in that position after his arrival from Swansea City, but is actually already attracting interest from abroad.
Given he struggled to fit into Farke’s system, his sale could perhaps be a wise decision. It would free up some more funds for Leeds to bring in another proper 10 and nine, rather than try to shoehorn Piroe into the side.
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