Leeds United only bought two outfield players for the first-team in the 2021/22 season, although they were linked with many more. There were some players, like Conor Gallagher and Brenden Aaronson, that Victor Orta made a major play for but couldn't manage to get a deal done, while there are others who Leeds are said to be tracking but didn't make bids for.
Looking ahead to the next summer, it may be the case that Leeds move again for some of those players, particularly as Jesse Marsch is said to prefer a bigger squad, where Marcelo Bielsa was clear on wanting a small squad size and would only accept new signings in certain positions if others move on.
Here's how a selection of the players that Leeds have previously been linked with have been doing lately. Primarily this will include the players that Leeds may be interested in again ahead of next season.
Read more: Flynn Downes profiled as Leeds United linked with 'incredible' Swansea City midfielder
Brenden Aaronson
Aaronson was Leeds' number one target in the January window and whilst they didn't manage to secure his signing in the winter, there is the expectation that the Whites will go again for the American international. The arrival of Marsch as the new manager seems to increase this likelihood, given that Aaronson was coached by the Leeds head coach at RB Salzburg last season.
Since Leeds failed in their bids to sign the 21-yeard-old, Aaronson picked up two assists in the Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich, as well as scoring twice and making three assists in domestic competition. However, he missed the most recent match with a knee injury, which could be something to watch.
Takumi Minamino
Another player managed by Marsch at Salzburg, Minamino was said to have been a player Leeds had interest in should they have let Crysencio Summerville move out on loan in January. That move didn't materialise but given that he knows the 4-2-2-2 formation Leeds now want to play, he may well be a player Leeds go back for.
The Japanese international has been knocked back in the pecking order at Liverpool since the arrival of Luis Diaz but he scored four times on Liverpool's route to the EFL Cup final, which they won although he didn't feature against Chelsea. He also played 90 minutes in the FA Cup against Norwich City, scoring twice.
Brennan Johnson
It was reported in January that Orta had a whole dossier compiled on the Nottingham Forest winger. Brentford were the favourites to sign Johnson in January but there was no major movement in terms of the transfer looking like happening. Leeds may still maintain an interest, although the 4-2-2-2 shape suits him less than the previously mentioned pair.
The 20-year-old has scored five goals since January and impressed against Premier League teams in cup competitions. He seems likely to make a move to the top tier in the summer, whether with Leeds or elsewhere.
Noa Lang
The Dutch forward was one of the players most heavily linked with the Whites in the summer but it was said that Bielsa didn't think he would fit into his man-marking defensive system. Orta is reported to be a huge fan of Lang and may find that Marsch is more receptive to the idea of the 22-year-old joining. His ability to play on the left, right, central attacking midfield or upfront could make him an attractive option in Leeds' new formation.
After two strong seasons in the Belgian Pro League, Lang is likely to have many suitors. Leeds may have missed their opportunity to sign the Dutch international, who will surely cost upwards of £25million.
This season, his goalscoring exploits have been a little lower as he has six goals so far when he reached 14 last season. However, he has created more, picking up 12 assists when he had eight in the entirety of last season.
Ryan Kent
Leeds' interest in the Rangers man goes back several seasons and it seemed like they might sign him in the summer before Daniel James became available. Again, his ability to play narrow as well as wide could mean Leeds still retain an interest now that they have changed attacking shape. They will likely be looking for more players capable of playing in the two positions behind the strikers and Kent would certainly be capable of that.
The former Liverpool man has stuttered for Rangers in the SPFL this season, scoring only twice along with adding nine assists. However, he has contributed excellent performances in the Europa League - including a superb game away at Borussia Dortmund - as the Gers have reached the quarter-finals of the competition.
Lewis O'Brien
After failing to secure Conor Gallagher on loan from Chelsea, Leeds moved onto O'Brien as their back-up target for central midfield. However, they were unable to agree a fee with Huddersfield Town and the 23-year-old has starred for the Championship's surprise promotion chasers.
O'Brien may not be one that Leeds will return for now, given that he was so well suited for Bielsa's football and Marsch's central midfield requires different things. However, he looks set for a Premier League move. He has played 37 times in the Championship this season, scoring three times, assisting another three and captaining the side on numerous occasions.
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
