Leeds United are back in the Premier League but it’s going to take a lot of work and money to stay there.
There might still be a Championship title to win but after Premier League promotion was secured, nearly all Leeds United eyes are looking towards next season.
It’s already been a whirlwind week after Daniel Farke’s job came into question before it was revealed the 49ers will be keeping the manager this summer.
But it’s abundantly clear Leeds will need to spend big on transfers if they want to survive, with Farke already making it clear he wants ‘ambition’ from the owners.
Staying up is pivotal as Leeds must get as much income as possible while they move forward with plans to expand Elland Road.
Improvements to the squad are desperately needed. Leeds might be on course for a 100-point season but they nearly threw promotion away. Some players must be sold and several positions will need upgrading in the summer.
Here are Farke’s biggest transfer priorities to address.
Goalkeeper
If one player is destined to leave Elland Road this summer, then it is surely Illan Meslier.
If it wasn’t for the goalkeeper’s several costly errors, Leeds would already be champions and would have been promoted long ago. It was only when he was finally dropped that the Whites got back to winning ways.
Leeds can not afford to start another season with him as No.1 and Karl Darlow likely won’t be good enough in the top flight, either. So, a quality new first-choice must be signed as a top priority.
Possible candidates: Caoimhin Kelleher, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope.
Playmaker
After a goalkeeper, a new playmaker is absolutely required to be the spark of the team, which is already known given Farke wanted one in January.
Brenden Aaronson has proven his worth just by being fit to play in every single league game and his nine goals have been important, but he has faded significantly towards the end and is not creative enough in a crucial position.
His energy and versatility make him a useful squad player but Leeds will need much more quality in attacking midfield to compete against faster, stronger and better-drilled defences.
Possible candidates: Gustavo Hamer, Emi Buendia, Pavel Sulc.
Winger
Leeds have one of the best attacking arsenals in the Championship, but it pales in comparison to most of the Premier League.
Dan James has certainly earned the chance to start the season on the right after his significant improvement but the left wing spot is up for grabs with Willy Gnonto or Largie Ramazani not pushing on this season.
A decision will have to be made on whether Manor Solomon is signed permanently, with Tottenham reportedly demanding £15m-20m.
The Israeli came in clutch in the run-in to secure promotion but it’s the best purple patch of his career and there’s no guarantee he can replicate it. Even if he does come back, another winger will likely be needed as well.
Possible candidates: Manor Solomon, Borja Sainz, Bilal El Khannouss, Herba Guirassy, Nicolas Kuhn, Raheem Sterling.
Centre-midfielder
With Joe Rothwell likely to return to Bournemouth and Josuha Guilavogui almost certainly departing, despite Gnonto’s wishes, Leeds will need at least two new signings in centre-midfield.
That’s before you even begin to consider if Ilia Gruev will be able to make the step-up or if Ethan Ampadu’s best position is at centre-back.
That really leaves Ao Tanaka as Leeds’ only guaranteed starter in the middle of the park come August and he will need a lot of help in the vigorous first division. Defensive solidity combined with a good passing range is an absolute must.
Possible candidates: Julian Weigel, Tomas Soucek, Kalvin Phillips, James Milner, Abdoulaye Sissako, Edouard Spertsyan.
Striker
Joel Piroe might have bagged four goals against Stoke City and be the Championship’s top scorer but question marks remain over whether he will thrive as much in the Premier League.
The Dutchman went nine games without scoring before Stoke and didn’t make up for his lack of goals with good build-up play. He became a burden that simply couldn’t be carried in the top flight and he could really struggle against much better defenders.
Piroe has certainly earned a chance to see if he can continue scoring in the Premier League but it would be foolish not to bring strong competition.
If Leeds had any suitable alternative, Piroe surely would have been dropped, so upgrades will also be needed on Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph, who should probably be let go.
Possible candidates: Josh Sargent, Wilson Isidor, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jamie Vardy, Cameron Archer, Tammy Abraham, Callum Wilson, Vladslay Vanat.
Full-back
This is one position Leeds wouldn’t need to upgrade if things went their way. Junior Firpo’s contract comes to an end in the summer and it’s long been expected he will depart on a free.
However, Firpo’s wife’s Instagram post saying ‘here we come’ in regards to the Premier League has given hope that he will stay.
If not, given veteran Sam Byram (who’s also out of contract) is the only other left-back on the books, a new one equally capable of giving great attacking support on the flank and being good at the back will be needed.
A versatile defender might have to be signed in addition, even if Firpo does stay.
Possible candidates: Ben Davies, Matt Targett, Kyle Walker-Peters, Bright Osayi-Samuel.
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