Adam Forshaw and Joel Robles became the first two departures of Leeds United summer transfer window on Monday evening. The pair were released without the offer of a new deal but they have been invited back to Thorp Arch for the start of pre-season, should they remain unattached.
They aren’t the only players expected to leave Elland Road this summer. In fact, something of an exodus could be on the cards as Leeds’ most talented and high profile players continue to be linked away from the club.
New owners 49ers Enterprises will be keen to keep hold of as many players as they can, but the expectation is that a number of key men will leave the club in favour of pastures new rather than play Championship football next season. As such, with question marks cropping up across the squad, United will have plenty of work to do in the window to ensure they have a squad capable of challenging for promotion next season.
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The position that requires the most attention is undoubtedly midfield, though. Forshaw’s departure, coupled with the conclusion of Weston McKennie’s loan, ensures the club are already two men down in the middle of the park.
Throw in the seemingly rather large possibility that both Marc Roca, who is reportedly close to joining Real Betis on loan, and Tyler Adams will leave the club and Leeds may leave themselves without any senior options in the middle of the park.
Jamie Shackleton is due to return to Leeds but after spending the season on loan at Millwall, it’s fair to say his future is far from certain. Sam Greenwood should stay and he will be expected to kick on in the Championship, while the likes of Darko Gyabi, Archie Gray and Lewis Bate will be eyeing up the possibility of regular opportunities in the side.
But Leeds need more than just young, albeit extremely promising, players stocking their midfield ranks. As such, the acquisition of at least two or three experienced, quality midfielders, who can help to steady the ship and offer guidance to those up-and-comers must be considered a priority for Leeds and their new owners.
That’s just in the middle of the park. Brenden Aaronson has been linked away and his departure would leave Leeds looking light in attacking midfield, while wingers Jack Harrison, Wilfried Gnonto and Crysencio Summerville are all attracting interest, too. Leeds surely can’t allow all their most creative players to leave the club, but any departures need replacing as strongly as possible.
New recruits will be needed across the field and the picture will become clearer in the coming weeks as the transfer window gathers pace, but right now it seems Leeds must prioritise midfield additions.
