The Whites are expected to be busy in the window, just not as busy as they were last summer when there was a mass exodus to deal with and a lot to do in terms of replacement. This summer is far likely to see continuity reign, with Daniel Farke content with the nucleus of his squad and looking to simply add strength where needed. There will however be a job to do when it comes to replacing stars because Leeds have made no secret of the need to sell at least one prize asset this summer. Chairman Paraag Marathe said as much just two days after the season ended in Wembley heartbreak. Player trading is to be expected, in both directions, but Leeds must take steps to ensure they stay on the right side of EFL financial regulations.
On Friday afternoon Leeds confirmed the sale of Marc Roca to Real Betis for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £4m. Jack Harrison’s second loan to Everton is done and dusted. Sonny Perkins is off to Leyton Orient for the season. But there is other outgoing loan business to attend to in the form of players like Max Wober who are unlikely to receive a warm welcome at Elland Road having fled the club last summer.
With pre-season starting again next week at Thorp Arch, where a number of Farke’s men will report back to begin testing and training, there is plenty to be done. Regardless of how prepared the Whites were for the window, the business of getting deals over the line is yet to be completed. The only new face confirmed for pre-season is Brenden Aaronson, back from his loan with Union Berlin, and even he will report back late due to his Copa America involvement. There are two out of contract players with whom talks need to conclude, if Leeds is to remain their home, players to sign, a sale or two to be made, replacements to be found and undoubtedly interest to be fended off. 49ers Enterprises’ general stance of only talking when there is something to say extends to transfers and for a second summer running they’re keeping things quiet on that front. Here’s what we know, what we make of what’s being said elsewhere so far, what you can laugh off and what we could see.
With pre-season starting again next week at Thorp Arch, where a number of Farke’s men will report back to begin testing and training, there is plenty to be done. Regardless of how prepared the Whites were for the window, the business of getting deals over the line is yet to be completed. The only new face confirmed for pre-season is Brenden Aaronson, back from his loan with Union Berlin, and even he will report back late due to his Copa America involvement. There are two out of contract players with whom talks need to conclude, if Leeds is to remain their home, players to sign, a sale or two to be made, replacements to be found and undoubtedly interest to be fended off. 49ers Enterprises’ general stance of only talking when there is something to say extends to transfers and for a second summer running they’re keeping things quiet on that front. Here’s what we know, what we make of what’s being said elsewhere so far, what you can laugh off and what we could see.
7. Jamie Shackleton - in talks
Shackleton, like Cooper, has a deal on the table from Leeds. The club say they're awaiting his decision, but the YEP understands he's close to an agreement with another club. Sheffield United are very keen on him, though with a takeover in the offing they have things to sort beyond transfers. | Getty Images
8. Joe Rodon - one to watch
Leeds wanted to have him back, Spurs will likely only want to sell him this time and from what we understand Rodon himself was very happy at Elland Road, finding a home at long last. That will play in the Whites' favour and even if there is Premier League interest in him, don't rule this one out. | Getty Images
9. Ilia Gruev - staying?
There have been reports of interest in him but the YEP understands Leeds have not set their sights on changes in the deep-lying midfield position, so his staying put feels as likely as Ethan Ampadu's. The pair offer Daniel Farke great options and versatility, with Ampadu able to drop back. | Getty Images
10. Diego Llorente - up in the air
Leeds have not ruled out anything with regards to Llorente and a few of the other 2023 loan escapees. Roma don't sound as hot on the idea of signing him as they once did. Difficult to see him returning to play in the Championship though - why would he suddenly want to after a year in Serie A? He didn't fancy it last summer. | Getty Images
11. Max Wober - up in the air
Currently in action with Austria at the Euros, he's said on record that there is complete radio silence with Leeds. A welcome back is far from guaranteed and with his talk of wanting two to three weeks off after the Euros, a return to Thorp Arch just doesn't feel likely. We expect him to be sold or loaned out again. But Leeds still won't rule anything out. | Getty Images
12. Rasmus Kristensen - up in the air
See Llorente and Wober. Leeds not ruling anything out. The big tackle celebrating Dane has the Euros to contend with right now, before his future can be sorted out. | Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima