While there may be an idea inside the confines of Elland Road about the direction the club is heading in, there is a great deal of uncertainty among the supporters right now. Fans continue to wait for the EFL to sanction 49ers Enterprises' takeover of the club, while the club also wait on that news so they can confirm their next manager plans, with Daniel Farke expected to be the new manager.
While that wait goes on, the players return to pre-season training tomorrow morning with speculation rife about the future of many of them such as Tyler Adams, Robin Koch, Rodrigo, Jack Harrison, Brendan Aaronson and many more. While that speculation may surround those few, for many of the squad the start of pre-season is an opportunity to get to work on the plan to take the club back up to the Premier League.
Leeds Live has been told there is a real determination among the group who know they will be going nowhere, to get back to work and to start putting the building blocks in place which will enable the team to challenge this upcoming season. Despite all that is going on, keeping the focus on the field is key for the majority of the players, who know they have a new manager to impress.
It's not known if Farke will be at training tomorrow, but the players know they need to make a statement of intent about the campaign ahead and impress from the off, which is what they'll intend to do this coming week, knowing the new manager will be well aware of what takes place whether he's physically there or not.
Read more: Leeds United's behind-the-scenes work, forthcoming investment and takeover mechanics
Saudi Arabia want Raphinha
The Brazilian winger is the latest name to emerge on the list of targets the Kingdom is looking to attract to it's league. There have been a number of big names who have already made the move to the country, which is splashing the cash looking to build the profile of its league in the Middle East.
After initially finding it difficult at Camp Nou, Raphinha established himself in Xavi's plans towards the end of the campaign. That has alerted Saudi Arabia, who are looking around Europe and trying to cherry-pick the best talent.
Already making the big money moves have been the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kanté.
Roca to Betis
The Whites are expected to say farewell to a host of first-team stars, with Marc Roca among several likely to depart Elland Road. The Spanish midfielder only arrived last summer following a two-year spell with Bayern Munich, but will soon be on the move once again.
Real Betis will be the destination for the 26-year-old, with the La Liga side said to be long-time admirers of the central midfielder. El Desmarque claim the transfer will go through barring any 'last-minute unexpected twist', with Roca himself posting videos on social media as he continues to work ahead of pre-season.
Roca was brought in following Kalvin Phillips' departure to operate in a double-pivot role alongside fellow recruit Tyler Adams. The midfielder made 36 appearances for United, scoring once and registering two assists.
Leeds key priorities
Leeds United are due to return to Thorp Arch on Monday to begin their preparations for the new Championship season, but there’s still so much to do. Confirming the new manager is the obvious task at the top of their to-do list, as the club hope for an imminent EFL announcement on their 49ers Enterprises takeover if they’re to be in place for day one of pre-season training.
We’re expecting to see news on that front in the coming days with Daniel Farke believed to be lined up. Ahead of the appointment, though, LeedsLive take a look at some of the tasks the new man will be immediately faced with when he steps through the door.
Arguably the best business Leeds can do this summer revolves around persuading key men at Elland Road to stick around. Around 16 United players have been linked away in some capacity since relegation was confirmed last month and while departures are to be expected, Leeds would love to be able to keep hold of most.
Tyler Adams, Wilfried Gnonto, Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra might well be at the top of that list and the incoming head coach will be keen to speak to them as quickly as possible. He’ll want to hear their thoughts and plans going into the new season, but he’ll also be keen to get across his vision and sell himself as someone who can ensure their time out of the top flight is short.
Given the amount of uncertainty, the new head coach will surely try and speak to as many players as possible, time permitting, before welcoming them back to Thorp Arch.
