It is just over a month before Leeds United kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. It is very likely that the Whites’ line-up will look a whole lot different to what took to the pitch in their final day win at Brentford in May, which secured their top-flight status.
Leeds have already brought in four new signings, with Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and Darko Gyabi all coming in. The latter though is likely to initially be for the U21s, with a view to pushing for the first team.
But the bulk of Leeds’ summer activity is still to be done as they get to work on replacing their two most important players. Kalvin Phillips has already secured his move to Manchester City, while Raphinha is likely to depart if Barcelona can stump up the required asking price.
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It appears as though Victor Orta has already lined up deals for all the positions that still require strengthening and so with that in mind, here is a look at Leeds’ potential starting XI for the opening day clash with Wolves, providing all their targets are landed.
Goalkeeper – Illan Meslier
The one position you can pretty much guarantee come August 6 is the goalkeeper, with Illan Meslier set to be the club’s number one again. The Whites may move for a more experienced shot-stopper later in the window, but Meslier will be first choice.
Defence – Rasmus Kristensen, Robin Koch, Liam Cooper, Junior Firpo
The first of the new boys is set to be at right back, with Kristensen looking towards a debut against Bruno Lage’s side following a full pre-season. Though no other defensive signings are expected, Leeds’ first choice centre back pairing remains up in the air.
Robin Koch ended last season well and deserves a shot in his favoured position, though Diego Llorente will not want to lose his place ahead of the World Cup. Liam Cooper is also likely to start as first choice, but Pascal Struijk will certainly be pushing him all the way.
Junior Firpo is set to be shown a huge vote of confidence this summer with Leeds not expected to sign another left back. If he can start the season how he ended the last one, then his second year at Elland Road could be much better.
Midfield – Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra
As expected at the beginning of the window, midfield is where the majority of changes have come – particularly given that Phillips and Raphinha aren’t/aren’t likely to be here next season. If Jesse Marsch opts to go with his favoured 4-2-2-2, then a midfield two of Tyler Adams and Roca looks likely.
Roca has already completed a switch from Bayern Munich and Adams is one of the names mentioned to replace Phillips, though there are other options including Mohamed Camara. In front of them first summer signing Aaronson is set to take one of the attacking midfield roles, though he will face competition from the likes of Jack Harrison.
Luis Sinisterra has emerged as Leeds’ number one winger target to replace Raphinha and he could provide Marsch’s side with the flair, pace and goals that they will lose with the Brazilian.
Attack – Charles de Ketelaere, Patrick Bamford
Leeds’ most marquee signing could still be yet to come as they continue to strongly pursue Club Brugge’s Charles de Ketelaere. De Keteleare could cost as much as €40 million and Leeds are hopeful of beating off competition from AC Milan and Leicester City.
He would provide Leeds with a top class option at the top end of the pitch, and given his flexibility to also be able to drop deeper, could play as a number 10 if Marsch wanted to swap formation. He could line-up alongside Patrick Bamford in attack, he will now be hoping his injury problems are behind him.
That’s not forgetting Joe Gelhardt either, who could see even more first team action this season after an excellent breakthrough campaign last term.
Full line-up (4-2-2-2): Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Adams, Roca; Aaronson, Sinisterra; de Ketelaere, Bamford
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