David Prutton names the first Premier League signing Leeds United should make if promoted

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This summer will turn out one of two ways for Leeds United, and it all depends on whether Daniel Farke can deliver promotion at the second time of asking.

One win in four has left Leeds United’s hopes of automatic promotion under pressure with Sheffield United now level on points. A few weeks ago, Leeds were five points clear of Chris Wilder’s Blades.

But with eight games to go, Leeds remain top of the table. Promotion will see Leeds spend big and bring some new signings in. Adam Pope predicts six new summer signings and more than £100m spent.

Failure to go up, and Leeds will have to sell some of their best players to balance the books – especially, with parachute payments going from 45% to 20%. But as things stand, Leeds remain in the driving seat.

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David Prutton urges Leeds United to make £7.5m summer signing

There are plenty of areas that require improvement if Leeds are to mount a solid effort at survival in the Premier League next season. A goalkeeper, centre-back, left-back, midfielder, no.10 and a striker needed.

One signing Leeds could make is Joe Rothwell, with the on-loan Bournemouth star shining in the last few months. David Prutton has urged Leeds to sign Rothwell, with Bournemouth wanting £7.5m for Rothwell.

“His experience, that smattering of Premier League experience, could bode well if they were to sign him permanently. His delivery from a set piece, his composure in possession, he’s got real leadership qualities.

“I absolutely do think Leeds should be signing a player such as that. Not because of what he’s put into potentially getting them in the Premier League, but his personality and nous when operating in midfield.

“Yes, it’s a different proposition against Premier League teams, but cutting the cloth accordingly from a financial point of view Joe could fit pretty well into that for Leeds,” Prutton said on Rothwell, to FLW.

How much experience does Rothwell have in the Premier League?

Rothwell is an experienced Championship operator, clocking up more than 200 appearances in the second tier in English football. In the Premier League however, it is a different story with the midfielder.

He joined Bournemouth from Blackburn but was rarely used from the off and it has since seen him spend the last 18 months out on loan at Southampton, and then Leeds from last summer until this point now.

Rothwell’s stats in Premier League vs Championship:

Rothwell is now 30 and while a fee of £7.5m is decent given his form this season, can Leeds do better if they are promoted? Perhaps, Leeds need to scour the market before committing to sign Rothwell.