The transfer window may be coming to an end next week, but recruitment and planning is a year-round business. It won’t take long for thoughts to turn to summer following midnight on January 31 and Leeds United may already be planning for what is to come.
With takeover talk gathering pace, it’s difficult to look too far ahead, but as it stands Victor Orta, Angus Kinnear, Andrea Radrizzani and Jesse Marsch have some difficult decisions to make over the coming months when it comes to personnel. Players will be identified and targeted in the build-up to summer, while some of those currently at Elland Road will find themselves heading for the exit door.
Here’s a look at four who will be considering their futures between now and the end of the season.
Read more: Leeds United have a Weston McKennie transfer advantage that could aid Jesse Marsch's side
Adam Forshaw
The midfielder’s future appears to be uncertain as his contract at Elland Road ticks into its final six months. Forshaw has been with the Whites since making the move from Middlesbrough in 2018 and he’s been a solid servant to the club in that time.
However, his injury record has worked against him in recent years and this season he has made just five league appearances for the Whites. He has performed well when he has been on the field and he certainly has plenty to offer Marsch’s side moving forward.
His fitness struggles will be taken into account when it comes to making a final contract decision, though, and with Leeds looking to strengthen their squad with another midfield addition in the coming days, amid Weston McKennie links, Forshaw could find himself down the pecking order.
Dan James
James’ switch to Fulham in the summer window caught many by surprise. The Wales international had been used regularly by Marsch over the opening few games and it seemed as though he would have a role to play moving forwards.
But, the decision was made to send him to Craven Cottage as Leeds went in search of last minute forward additions on deadline day. The 25-year-old has had a bit-part role to play under Marco Silva this season, though, with most of his appearances coming off the bench, and that doesn’t look like changing too much over the second half of the season.
He’ll return to Elland Road over the summer and after being told he was surplus to requirements this time around, he could be forgiven for exploring his options away from West Yorkshire.
Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell has spent the season so far on loan with Millwall as the Lions push towards promotion from the Championship under Gary Rowett. The defender has scored four league goals for the club, but he has been in and out of the side at The Den, playing just one minute of football since December 3.
He’ll push to reclaim his starting spot over the coming weeks and months to continue his development, if he is to stay in south London that is. According to reports elsewhere, Championship clubs have shown an interest in taking Cresswell permanently, with Middlesbrough being one club named.
It remains to be seen whether that interest will lead to anything this month, but if it doesn’t there could a tug of war in the summer for his services. Leeds won’t be overly keen to see one of their brightest young defensive talents leave the club, but Cresswell needs game time to continue his development and assurances may have to be made if he is to stick around.
Junior Firpo
The left-back may have turned in a couple of bright performances in the FA Cup this month, but he is still down Jesse Marsch’s pecking order at Elland Road. He has made just three Premier League appearances all season and following the arrival of Max Wober, his status within the side is unlikely to change.
As such, Firpo may find himself looking for a move in the summer, in order to breathe life back into his career. Real Betis were linked earlier this month but talk of a January exit seems to have fallen quiet and that may leave him exploring his options as summer approaches.
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