Joe Rodon officially became Leeds United’s first signing of the summer on Tuesday, but there is still plenty more work to be done.
After such a brilliant campaign on loan at Elland Road last season, Tottenham centre-back Rodon had been Leeds‘ top target throughout the early stages of the window.
And in a deal that saw Archie Gray go the other way for £40 million, Leeds were able to reach an agreement for the Welshman to return on a four-year-deal for £10 million.
Rodon’s arrival is very much an early statement of intent by Leeds but it is imperative they do not stop there, with several areas of the squad still in need of strengthening.
Leeds have just two recognised full-backs in the squad, are now a midfielder down and are all but certain to lose another two centre-backs, with Liam Cooper out of contract, and Charlie Cresswell likely to leave despite the collapse of his move to Toulouse.
- READ MORE: Adam Pope shares how Leeds feel about selling Glen Kamara this summer after Rennes show interest
The position Leeds have been looking at ‘extensively’ behind-the-scenes
You could genuinely make a case for every position on the pitch being in need of additions, though it is difficult to see that happening.
Illan Meslier has been linked with a move to Marseille and so a new number one would be needed. Leeds have no backups to Junior Firpo or Sam Byram, both of whom are also injury prone.
As mentioned, Leeds look set to lose two central defenders, while Gray’s departure leaves them a midfielder light. The end of Jaidon Anthony’s loan also means Daniel Farke has one less wide-man to choose from.
Though Brenden Aaronson is returning, another number 10 would not go amiss, and an upgrade on Patrick Bamford as Leeds’ starting striker is long overdue.
Having said that, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post, there is one position Leeds’ recruitment team has been looking at ‘extensively’ behind-the-scenes so far this summer, which is wingers.
Whether Leeds move on any of those players they have looked at will depend on the futures of Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto, who have both been linked with exits.
Given how significant the loss of one or both of those two could be, it is no surprise they have been doing a detailed search into potential replacements.
If they were not adequately replaced, it would leave Leeds a lot weaker than they were last season.
Which wingers have Leeds been linked with so far?
There have been a handful of names mentioned as potential targets for Leeds, the most significant of which has been FC Basel’s Liam Millar.
Millar was on loan at Preston North End last season and Leeds have been scouting him at the Copa America, where he is representing Jesse Marsch’s Canada.
FC Excelsior’s Couhaib Driouech has also been linked, though as many as 10 teams are said to be in the queue for his signature.
Not so much out-and-out wingers, but free agent duo Callum O’Hare and Bobby De Cordova-Reid are two others reportedly on the list.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
